As summer approaches there are several reminders to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, shade, hats, and long sleeves. What does not get mentioned as often is indoor tanning.
Indoor tanning has become very popular among young adult women and teenage girls. Many teens and their parents think getting a tan indoors is safer than tanning in the sun. But the truth is that tanning booths, lamps, or sunbeds emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation, just as the sun does. And any exposure to UV radiation can raise your risk of skin cancer.
UV radiation also causes premature wrinkles, freckles, leathery texture, and loss of elasticity.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and this year alone there will be more then 2 million people diagnosed with squamous cell and basal cell cancers and 70,230 cases of melanoma.
The St. Mary’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders will be promoting skin cancer awareness on May 23, by wearing hats and sunglasses to work.
