SAN DIEGO, Calif. (Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in this country. About one in 55 of us will get the most deadly form -- melanoma -- in our lifetime. Last year, more than 8,000 Americans died of melanoma. Now, six common myths about skin cancer.
 

We all love a sunny day, but do you know how harmful those rays can be? You might not think you're at risk, but everyone is, which brings us to our first myth: only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.
 

"Darker skin types can be under diagnosed for skin cancer," Michelle Pelle, M.D., a dermatologist at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, Calif, told Ivanhoe. In dark-skinned people, it often shows up under fingernails or on the soles of feet.
 

Another myth – only burns lead to skin cancer. "No tan is safe," Dr. Pelle said. "Every time you're sun exposed, you're damaging DNA."
 

And what about lip gloss? A new study shows the shine may actually attract UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. "The lip is a very sensitive area of skin and tends to get burned more frequently," Dennis L. Rousseau, M.D., Ph.D., a surgical oncologist at the Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando, told Ivanhoe.
 

And tanning beds are not safer! Twenty minutes in a bed is equal to about four hours in the sun!

Another myth -- your clothes protect against the sun. "A t-shirt might have an SPF of six to eight, which is not really adequate," Dr. Rousseau said. So apply sunscreen -- even under clothes. And use enough -- about a shot glass-full for the entire body. Try non-glossy chap stick, cover up, and check yourself monthly for suspicious moles.
 

"Most normal moles have a uniform color, have fairly regular borders and are smaller than six millimeters in size," Dr. Rousseau explained.
 

One last myth -- it's not just in your genes. Research shows less than 10-percent of melanomas are genetic. The majority are caused by something you can avoid … the sun.

Recent research has shown women with a vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop breast cancer. Although vitamin D can be obtained from the sun, experts say you can also get it through proper nutrition, which is safer!
 

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For More Information, Contact:

Florida Hospital Cancer Institute

Orlando, FL

(800) 375-7761

http://www.floridahospitalcancer.com/