And The Most Common Type of CANCER Is???

I want to ask you a question—what is the most common type of cancer?

…………………….keep thinking……………

…………………….give up?

Skin cancer.

More than 1,000,000 Americans are diagnosed with some form of skin cancer each year. That’s more than breast, lung, prostate, colon, ovarian, pancreatic and uterine cancers combined! Furthermore, skin cancer rates are growing at an alarming rate, much faster than anyone would have anticipates as recently as a decade ago. While those of us with fair skin and freckles are much more likely to develop the disease (particularly on areas that are more frequently exposed to sun like the face and arms) skin cancer can appear on anyone at anytime during their lifespan.

Basal Cell and Squamous Cell carcinomas are the two most common forms of skin cancer and are, fortunately, not deadly. Look for their growth on areas that receive constant sun exposure, but don’t usually burn, like the neck or the arms.

Melanoma, however, is quite deadly and is more likely to appear on those areas of the body that receive less sunlight and, therefore, burn more frequently when they do see the sun, areas like the chest and thighs. Dark, uneven patches on the skin that seem to grow relatively rapidly over the course of a several weeks are tell-tale signs of the deadly disease. Try and keep an eye out for Melanoma in its early stages, if you catch it it’s totally treatable. However, as we stated it develops quickly and can spread to other parts of the body with impressive speed complicating matters and increasing the risk of fatality.

The American Cancer Association recommends a number of preventive measures to reduce your risk of developing the nasty cancers.

1) WEAR A SUNSCREEN!!! The higher the SPF the better, although once you get to SPF 30 the differences between 30 and any SPF (even 1000!) are negligible. Make sure that sunscreen blocks not only UVA but UVB Rays and make sure you reapply the sunscreen every 2—4 hours!

2) Rock a pair of shades!—Not only do shades keep the sun out of your eyes while out and about, they also seriously reduce your risk for developing cataracts and cancer in the highly sensitive tissue around your eye.

3) Cover up when outdoors for extended time!!!—Sunscreen can only do so much, so your best bet is to wear a dark protective layer, like a black T-shirt when doing things like hiking, etc. Tightly knit clothes are also better at staving off UV than thin, loosely knit ones.

4) Stay out of the sun during PEAK HOURS, what the ACA determines to be between 12PM and 3PM.

5) DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS!!!—They slam the body with concentrated UVA and UVB rays. If you must tan do so the old fashioned way, by sitting in the sun!

6) Do SKIN CHECKS at least once a month. Keep your eyes peeled for any new spots or growths that have appeared. The earlier you spot cancer the better!

Beware the Dangers of Tanning Beds

Well we can’t say we’re shocked because we’ve always felt that direct exposure to intense UV light was bad,…we just didn’t know it was as bad as Mustard Gas or Arsenic!

According to a report published by the International Agency for Research on Cancer in Lyon (the World Health Organizations cancer division), an analysis of over 20 different studies has concluded that the risk of skin cancer jumps by nearly 75% when individuals start using tanning beds before the age of 30. What’s worse?—Scientists also discovered that ALL types of UV radiation cause genetic mutation that can lead to cancer. (Previously science only considered UV-B radiation to be the source of mutation). Thanks to this new, more dangerous classification, the use of tanning beds is now considered a definite source of cancer, making it as potentially lethal as extended exposure to tobacco, asbestos, mustard gas and arsenic.

Still not a believer?—just look at the facts. In all the twenty studies analyzed, researchers discovered a parallel rise in the use of sun-beds before the age of 30 and skin cancer. One of the studies, done in Britain, illustrated that Melanoma (the deadliest kind of skin cancer) is the leading type of cancer diagnosed in women in their 20s. In countries and regions where tanning beds are not frequented, most cases of Melanoma are recorded in individuals nearing the age of 75!

At the end of the day, no one is going to keep you from going to a tanning bed. If it’s something that you want to do…well, it’s something that you want to (and can) do. But keep in mind that you’re putting your body and YOUR LIFE at risk. People who use tanning beds are eight times (8X) as likely to develop skin cancer as those who avoid them. If you’re that desperate for a tan try a bronzing cream or a spray on tan,…it may not look as good, but it looks better than cancer that’s a guarantee!

Much Love,

The KINeSYS Team