Skin Cancer & Melanoma on the rise, steps to prevent with Dr. King in Pasadena, CA

Monday, April 4th, 2011, 2:47 pm

Recent research has noted the rate of melanoma among young women increasing with those who have the highest income levels. The fastest rates of increase were noted for the richest women. This research revealed the following info that I think is important for us to be aware of coming into these warmer months:

1. Teens and women in the top 20 percent of wealth were six times more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma than their counterparts in the bottom 20 percent.

2. For teens and women in the bottom 40 percent of income level, melanoma rates did not increase over the course of the study.

So why would those with the most money be at greater risk for a deadly skin cancer? The answer appears simply to be extra leisure time and money allow for more fun and vanity-related activities.

Tanning has become increasingly popular not only among adults, but among teens as well giving not only that youthful “glow”, but slimming appearance. Bathing suits have also started shrinking, all the way down to the bikini leaving more skin unprotected from the harmful rays of the sun. In the late 1970s tanning beds began to appear so some people could try to maintain their skin-damaging ways in winter in cold locations. Tanning today is a multi-billion dollar industry, and a health hazard. People now instead of going out and getting a tan go to the local tanning salon thinking they are doing less damage not realizing they are exposing themselves to the very same harmful rays!!!!

Clearly it is those with extra income to travel to warm weather climates during harsh winters and pursue artificial tanning, with electric beds, or toxic creams. Tanning is not healthy, a fact that has not deterred too many people from seeking out the sun or artificial means. Melanoma is thought to account for about 9,000 deaths per year in the United States. Many of these melanoma cases are avoidable through common sense measures such as limiting sun exposure. Tanning, however, is just the opposite. Sun worshippers deliberately expose themselves to sunlight, which obviously is radiation.

It is precisely the fair-skinned who are at the most risk from skin cancer due to excessive sunlight exposure. The American Cancer Society has identified the following risk factors:

* Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation

* Fair complexion

* Occupational exposures to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds, or radium

* Family history

* Multiple or atypical moles

* Severe sunburns as a child

So how can we protect ourselves? Wear clothes and swimsuits that cover more skin. Wear sunblock that is SPF 30 or more. Use Vitamin D3 (known to help protect against skin cancer). Taking a good multiple vitamin and mineral is great, but also an antioxidant to help protect against free radical damage. Avoid long time exposure in the sun. Wear clothing that contains sunscreen when in the sun for long periods of time. Use hats, sunglasses, umbrellas, shade and remember once the damage is done it’s done!

Protect your body and your kids while enjoying your summer months and avoid the vanity it can be toxic to your health.

Tags: Alternative Health Care, Health & Diet, melanoma, Natural Health care, Natural Medicine, skin cancer, skin cancer prevention, sunscreen, tanning salons