The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects us against injury
and infection, and it stores water, fat, and vitamin D and regulates our body
temperature.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in New Mexico and in the U.S.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure during childhood and adolescence is a key
risk factor for developing this disease. And because more than 50% of a
person’s lifetime UV exposure occurs by the age of 18, adopting sun
safety behaviors during childhood and adolescence is currently the best
method for preventing skin cancer.
The two most common kinds of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma
and squamous cell carcinoma – are highly curable. However, melanoma,
the third most common type of skin cancer, is more dangerous. Each year,
approximately 200 New Mexicans are diagnosed with melanoma and almost
40 die of the disease.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation increases the risk for all three types
of skin cancer. A history of one or more severe, blistering sunburns during
childhood or adolescence is associated with a greater risk for both melanoma
and basal cell carcinoma. Long-term overexposure to UV radiation increases the
risk for squamous cell carcinoma. New Mexicans are urged to limit their exposure
to the damaging effects of the sun by avoiding exposure during the hours of most
intense sunlight (10 am to 4 pm); wearing a hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants
when outside during peak hours; wearing sunscreen regularly (SPF 15 or higher);
and talking with their physician about their risks for skin cancer.
Remember: There is no safe way to tan.
Last updated on 02/25/2005 11:08 pm.
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