Wednesday, May 23, 2012
In the United States, one person dies of melanoma every hour. Incidence of melanoma continues to rise in young adults -- particularly among female adolescents and young adults -- because they are much more likely to use UV tanning beds. (more)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
This year, like every year, more than one-third of Americans will get at least one sunburn. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the risk of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, more than doubles with just one severe sunburn in childhood or adolescence or from five such overexposures in a lifetime.
Skin cancer, including melanoma, is the most common of all cancer types. More than 2 million skin cancers are diagnosed each year in the United States. That's more than all other cancers combined. But, skin cancer is largely preventable by avoiding overexposure to harmful UV-A and UV-B rays -- outdoors and in -- and skin cancer is extremely treatable if caught early. (more)
Monday, June 21, 2010
People who remain pale and never tan can blame their distant ancestors for choosing to live in the northern reaches of the globe and those who easily achieve a deep tan can thank their ancestors for living in the subtropical latitudes, according to Penn State anthropologists. "The variation of ultraviolet radiation, especially in the middle and high latitudes is great," said Nina Jablonski, professor of anthropology and chair of Penn State's anthropology department. "Tanning has evolved multiple times around the world as a mechanism to partly protect humans from harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation." (more)
