Skin cancer
Most types of cancer have been declining in the USA in recent years. However the exception to this rule is skin cancer which is unfortunately on the rise. More than one million Americans discover they have non melanoma skin cancer each year.
Most people are now aware that years of unprotected exposure to the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer and the nearer a person reaches 50 years, the more likely they are to develop it.
However, it is not just the people over 50 that are developing skin cancer. The disease is on the increase for those under 40 years also.
So what is causing it? Experts suggest is not always advanced age coupled with unprotected exposure to the sun that is causing this rapid increase for those less than 40 years of age. There are also significant other factors also.
The following is thought to be contributing to the rise:
* Use of tanning bed – young women are using tanning beds more than men, causing a rise in non-melanoma skin cancer in women. More and more tanning salons are using bulbs in their sun beds which emit a significant amount of UVA and UVB radiation, which are the main causes of skin cancer.
* Research has shown more and more time is spent tanning. 80% to 90% of those older adults diagnosed with a non-melanoma skin cancer discover it has occurred on their head and neck. However younger patients diagnosed with skin cancer tend to develop a non-melanoma on their torso. This is probably because younger patients are spending more time tanning outdoors. In addition to this, the increase in usage of tanning beds is a contribution to the rise of non-melanomas on torsos.
* Intense intermittent sun exposure is a very well known risk factor for the development of non-melanomas. Short, intense exposures to the sun – such as those experienced by holiday makers on tropical/Mediterranean vacations without adequate sun protection is probably a contribution to the increase of non-melanoma skin cancers, especially for those who are under the age of 40 years.
* Tanning devices and the rays from the sun emit UV light. Although we do not see or feel this light as it hits our skin, the UV exposure damages our DNA. Our bodies are able to repair this damage, although continued exposure to UV light eventually outpaces the rate the body can repair itself.
* The use of tobacco is also a risk factor for skin cancer. Research has found smoking via cigarettes and pipes increase the chance of developing skin cancer.
* The atmosphere around the earth is shielded by an ozone layer. This protective layer shields the planet from the UVB rays from the sun. However, the world’s population have created a hole by the use of aerosols. Refrigerants and other products containing
* Experts believe that because the population are becoming more and more aware of skin cancer, more and more are being diagnosed.
Chlorofluorocarbons have assisted with the damage. More and more UVB light is reaching the earth each year as the hole in the ozone layer grows. UVB exposure can cause non-melanoma skin cancer as well as play key roles in melanoma development.