Tag

Skin Cancer

All articles tagged with #skin cancer

Gen Z's tan chase tests sun-safety norms amid social media myths
health4 days ago

Gen Z's tan chase tests sun-safety norms amid social media myths

Gen Z grew up with sun safety, but many teens and young adults are now chasing tans after seeing influencer tips and UV-index hacks on social media. Misinformation about sunscreen is widespread online, with some claiming tanning without SPF is safe. Dermatologists warn that any tan is UV damage and increases skin-cancer risk, and tanning beds carry additional melanoma risk. Safer options include seeking shade, wearing a hat, using broad-spectrum sunscreen, UPF clothing, and opting for self-tanners rather than bronzing methods.

A Single Severe Sunburn in Youth Linked to Higher Skin Cancer Risk
health11 days ago

A Single Severe Sunburn in Youth Linked to Higher Skin Cancer Risk

A 2025 meta-analysis of 17 studies with more than 321,000 participants linked painful, blistering sunburns to higher odds of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Moderate sunburn history increased odds by about 51%, and high-frequency burns by about 69%; severe childhood sunburns may triple risk. While certainty is limited by recall data, researchers urge stronger sun-safety efforts—especially for kids—and note UV exposure as the primary cancer driver. Practical prevention includes avoiding intense midday sun, seeking shade, and using sunscreen.

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Common Skin Cancer That Often Slips By
health13 days ago

Basal Cell Carcinoma: The Common Skin Cancer That Often Slips By

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cancer and often looks like a pimple or dry patch, which can cause it to be missed; it's usually slow-growing but can invade nearby tissue if not treated; early detection through self-checks like the ugly duckling sign and routine dermatologic exams improves outcomes; treatment varies by lesion type and may include Mohs surgery for higher-risk cancers, with high cure rates and options like creams or light-based therapies; prevention focuses on sun protection and discussing additional measures with a doctor for high-risk individuals.

Iowa’s Melanoma Rate Surges to Fourth in the U.S. Driven by Population Demographics
health18 days ago

Iowa’s Melanoma Rate Surges to Fourth in the U.S. Driven by Population Demographics

The 2026 Cancer in Iowa report estimates about 1,500 Iowans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year, placing Iowa fourth in the nation for melanoma incidence (33.7 per 100,000). Since 1992, rates have risen 169%, a trend attributed largely to Iowa’s predominantly white population (87.7%). Dermatologists say there is no credible link between sunscreen and cancer, and prevention focuses on sun protection (sunscreen, protective clothing, hats) and avoiding tanning beds, with many cases treated in office settings under the state’s cancer registry network.

UV-Proof Your Ride: Rethinking Cycling Gear to Fight Skin Cancer
health18 days ago

UV-Proof Your Ride: Rethinking Cycling Gear to Fight Skin Cancer

With summer heat increasing UV exposure, Cycling Weekly argues riders should prioritise sun safety beyond sunscreen by using lightweight UV-protective clothing (e.g., UPF-rated long‑sleeve jerseys and legwear) and smart protection strategies. The piece explains UV-A vs UV-B risks, outlines cyclist-specific risks, and cites examples like MAAP’s Aeon Jersey, suggesting that long-sleeve, UV-protective garments can significantly reduce skin‑cancer risk on rides while remaining comfortable in hot weather.

Tanmaxxing: the tanning trend that could damage your skin
health20 days ago

Tanmaxxing: the tanning trend that could damage your skin

A new social-media craze called tanmaxxing promotes prolonged sun exposure, skipping sunscreen, tanning oils, and even tanning beds to achieve the darkest tan. Dermatologists warn it raises DNA damage, accelerates skin aging, and increases skin cancer risk, fueled by online misinformation and dramatic before-and-after posts. Public health experts urge safer practices (broad-spectrum SPF 30+, shade, protective clothing) and safer alternatives like self-tanners, while noting sunscreen misinformation among youth is common.

Sunlight in small, steady bursts: a healthier balance for the body
health20 days ago

Sunlight in small, steady bursts: a healthier balance for the body

Moderate, regular sun exposure supports vitamin D production, mood, sleep, and cognitive health, but overexposure raises skin cancer risk. The piece advocates a “middle of the day, little and often” approach: short daily sun bursts, tailored to skin type (lighter skin needs less time; darker skin may require more), with protection during peak UV hours. In winter or high-latitude areas, UVB can be limited, sometimes necessitating supplements or fortified foods. Climate change increases sun risk, so guidance should be personalized and paired with sun-safe habits.

Shield Your Skin On The Road: Easy Sun-Safety Gear For Driving
health1 month ago

Shield Your Skin On The Road: Easy Sun-Safety Gear For Driving

UV rays can reach skin through car windows and accumulate during everyday driving, contributing to skin cancer risk even with a windshield in place. The article notes side windows offer less protection and suggests simple, on-the-go protection: SPF 30 body lotion, SPF 30 lip balm, UV 400 sunglasses, UPF 50+ driving gloves or arm sleeves, a sun hoodie, a neck gaiter, a removable sunshade, a convertible visor, and a sun shawl, all presented with shopping options. It cites the American Academy of Dermatology on skin cancer being the most common US cancer and emphasizes that routine, road-time sun exposure adds up over time.

Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis, new music on the horizon
entertainment1 month ago

Carly Simon reveals Parkinson's diagnosis, new music on the horizon

Carly Simon says she has Parkinson's disease, diagnosed after a Mayo Clinic evaluation, and that she has also been treated for basal cell carcinoma; she notes the illness is different for everyone and can be unpredictable, with mobility fluctuating day to day. She has begun treatment for stiffness and other symptoms, and says music has helped her cope. The 83-year-old singer is releasing Comes in Waves, her first album of original songs since 2008, on August 14, 2026.

Why I Wear Sunscreen Indoors—and How to Pick a Better SPF
health1 month ago

Why I Wear Sunscreen Indoors—and How to Pick a Better SPF

A Washington Post Well+Being column by Dr. Trisha Pasricha explains that UVA rays can penetrate windows, so wearing sunscreen indoors helps prevent aging and skin cancer. It recommends mineral sunscreens with iron oxide for protection against visible light and for many skin tones, notes that SPF 30 provides substantial UVB protection, and emphasizes choosing a broad-spectrum product. The piece also offers four practical tips for buying an effective sunscreen.

Reddit user warns Melanotan II users: it darkens skin slowly, offers no sun protection, and carries serious health risks
health1 month ago

Reddit user warns Melanotan II users: it darkens skin slowly, offers no sun protection, and carries serious health risks

A Reddit user who says he has injected Melanotan II for about 17 years warns that the peptide is not an instant UV shield and should not be exposed to sun too soon after starting. He describes a two-week loading period to see any darkening, reiterating that Melanotan II stimulates melanin but does not protect skin from UV damage. The drug remains untested and illegal to sell in many countries, with potential side effects including nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of appetite, and, in severe cases, skin cancer or kidney issues. Experts caution that unregulated formulations can be dangerous, and highlight the health risks associated with long-term, unsupervised use.

Dermatologist's Personal Vigilance for Early Skin-Cancer Detection
health1 month ago

Dermatologist's Personal Vigilance for Early Skin-Cancer Detection

Dermatologist Dr. Michelle Henry stresses her own routine of monthly self-checks, scalp inspections with help from a hairstylist, and photo comparisons to spot melanoma and other skin cancers early. She watches for the ABCDE signs, ugly-duckling moles, nail streaks, and changes in new or existing spots, while advocating sunscreen use and new UVA-covering options like Bemotrizinol to improve prevention.