Melanoma – the Danger Continues

Melanoma, a dangerous type of skin cancer, poses the highest risk to young, middle class, non-Hispanic women, discloses a new study done by researchers at the University of California.   This fatal skin cancer shows itself through moles that become bigger, darker or that change their shapes. When high doses of ultraviolet- A radiation target the skin, the risk of developing melanoma increases.

The study that involved 3,800 women between the age groups 15 to 39 revealed that more than those who came from economically straitened circumstances, it was the privileged young women who faced the higher risk.

The Archives of Dermatology compares a tanned skin to a French manicure, a sign of wealth and status. And the only ones who can go to an exotic locale for a summer holiday or lie in the beach the whole day on a tanning bed are those who can afford to.  Unfortunately, teenagers, often below the age of 18 succumb to popular conception of beauty and, not content with sunbathing, go for tanning beds too. And that is where the danger is – an overexposure to radiation.

Experts feel that children and young people should be repeatedly reminded to put on sunscreen every two hours; to wear UV-resistant clothing; to put on sunglasses; not to go out in the sun between 10 am and 4 pm.

The most important message that must be put across to people is that there is no tan that is a healthy tan.

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Source-Medindia