Skin cancers manifest in the form of non-healing sores and discolored spots on the skin. The three most common forms of skin cancer are squamous cell, basal cell and melanoma. Basal cell cancers are the most common. While basal cell cancers rarely spread to other parts of the body, they can be locally destructive and generally occur on areas of the skin like the face that have been exposed to UV light.
Sunbathing and the use of tanning equipment have increased the risk of developing cancerous sores. Studies show that the risk of developing skin cancer balloons by 75% in women under 30 who tan under UV light sources. The emergence of cancerous spots on the abdomen may be correlated to the rise in popularity of tanning beds (or perhaps less humility at the beach!), as skin cancers were predominantly found on the face and extremities in decades previous.
The risk of developing skin cancer can be minimized by avoiding tanning beds and using sun screen lotion when you’re out in the sun. The risk can also be minimized by avoiding outdoor UV light between 11a.m. and 2 p.m. Self tanning creams can help you achieve a richer complexion without the introducing the risk of skin cancer. These creams interact with amino acids on the skin’s surface to give a tan (not orange if you chose the right product) glow.
