Board-certified dermatologist urges public to practice safe
sun
ROSEMONT, Ill., April 30,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abby
Weiner knew the dangers of unprotected sun exposure long
before she was diagnosed with skin cancer. As someone with fair
skin and freckles, the 43-year-old mother of three says she has
always been diligent about wearing hats and using sunscreen when
sitting at a beach or a pool but didn't think about the sun
exposure she was getting elsewhere until she was diagnosed with
melanoma on her cheek in 2023.
While skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of
cancer, a recent survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults found that
an increasing number of Americans are reporting sunburn despite
knowing how to protect themselves from the sun's harmful rays. More
than one in three adults got a sunburn in 2023 – the highest
numbers reported since 2020. A third of those sunburned reported a
sunburn severe enough that their clothes were uncomfortable, and
this was especially true among men. The most avoidable risk factor
for skin cancer, including melanoma—the deadliest type of skin
cancer—is exposure to the sun.
In recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May and
Melanoma Monday® on May 6, the
American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is encouraging the public to
practice safe sun to reduce their risk of skin cancer.
"It's extremely concerning to see so many people unnecessarily
putting themselves at risk of developing skin cancer, the most
common type of cancer in the United
States," said board-certified dermatologist Seemal R. Desai,
MD, FAAD, president of the AAD. "Data shows a staggering truth: one
in five Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer
in their lifetime. Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer,
especially if they don't take the necessary precautions."
Nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed reported getting a tan
in 2023, a 13-percentage-point increase over last year. And while
Americans overwhelmingly believe sun protection is important, two
out of three are unaware of all the risks associated with burning
and tanning. Nearly a quarter of Americans incorrectly believe that
a base tan will prevent sunburns, and one in five believe tanning
is safe if you don't burn.
Weiner, who lives near Washington,
D.C., said she has changed both her and her family's sun
protection habits following her melanoma diagnosis.
"I was good about being out of the sun when sitting at the beach
or pool, but if I was with my family outside at a restaurant and
couldn't find an umbrella, I sat in the sun," she said. "Now I have
a hat and sunscreen wherever I go, and that has become a part of my
new routine. My boys used to complain about having to wear hats and
putting on sunscreen, but they watched how I had to have the cancer
removed and have reconstruction, and now they understand that it's
not a minor issue."
The survey shows that Weiner's sun protection behavior is
common. While roughly half of the survey respondents reported using
sunscreen regularly when they are in the sun, they are especially
unlikely to use sunscreen for activities they may not associate
with UV exposure, like eating at outdoor cafes and going to
farmer's markets.
To protect yourself from the sun and reduce your risk of skin
cancer, the AAD recommends that everyone:
- Seek shade. The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears
to be shorter than you are, seek shade.
- Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight
long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with
UV protection, when possible. For more effective protection, choose
clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the
label.
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an
SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing.
Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB
rays.
"Skin cancer significantly affects your health and well-being,"
said Dr. Desai. "As summer approaches, I urge everyone to
practice safe sun habits to lower their skin cancer risk. If you
notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or have any spots that
are changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment to see a
board-certified dermatologist."
To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit
aad.org/findaderm.
More Information
Practice Safe Sun
Shade, Clothing, and Sunscreen
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
AAD B-Roll Library
About the Research
Versta Research conducted a
national survey of 1,054 U.S. adults on behalf of the American
Academy of Dermatology. Sampling was stratified by age, gender,
region, race/ethnicity, income, and education, and it was weighted
to match current population estimates from the United States Census
Bureau. The survey was conducted online from January 29 to February 8, 2024. Assuming no
sample bias, the maximum margin of error for full-sample estimates
is ±3%.
About the AAD
Headquartered in Rosemont,
Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938,
is the largest, most influential and most representative of all
dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 21,000
physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the
diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the
skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical
practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and
enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can
have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more
information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376)
or aad.org. Follow @AADskin
on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and
@AADskin1 on Instagram.
View original
content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-american-academy-of-dermatology-survey-increasing-number-of-americans-at-risk-of-skin-cancer-despite-knowing-how-to-protect-themselves-302131949.html
SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology