Skin cancer is currently the most common type of cancer in
the United States. Approximately 2
million Americans are diagnosed with some type of skin cancer every year and
the numbers are unfortunately on the rise. In particular, young and middle-aged people
are seeing higher incidences of skin cancer.
One recently published study found that middle-aged men and
women were at a higher risk of skin cancer than ever before. The study,
published in the January 2014 issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings, found that the
overall incidence of skin cancer between 1970 and 2009 increased 4.5 times for
middle-aged men and 24 times for middle-aged women.
One of the main reasons cited for this drastic rise of skin
cancer rates is the use of tanning beds by young women. Research has found that
people who use indoor tanning beds on a regular basis are 74% more likely to
develop skin cancers, including melanoma, than those who don’t use tanning
beds.
Remember, tanning beds have consequences as does sun
exposure. Protect your skin by avoiding tanning beds and by wearing sunscreen
and protective clothing.
Inverness Dermatology
and Laser offer skin cancer treatment in Birmingham, Alabama from board
certified dermatologists. Learn more at www.InvernessDerm.com.