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New Studies say Young People Taking Risks That Can Lead to Skin Cancer

Young adults are increasing their risk for skin cancer according to a pair of studies by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Cancer Institute.  

One study finds that half of people ages 18 to 29 reported at least one sunburn in the past year despite an increase in protective behaviors, such as wearing sunscreen.  The other study finds indoor tanning is still common among young adults.

 Dr. Marcus Plescia, director of the CDC Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, says some young people may not be using sunscreen properly and may have a false sense of security when they use it, staying in the sun longer than they should. He says sometimes people are not aware they need to apply sunscreen frequently. There’s a perception you put it on, and it’s good for the day, which he says is not accurate.

Dr. Plescia also agrees young people may not be wearing sunscreen and taking protective measures during common outdoor activities.  He says people have come to know when you’re sitting in the beach in blazing sun, you need to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing.

Dr. Plescia says this is the age group where, if they have the exposures while they’re young, they’re more likely to develop skin cancer.  He says malignant melanoma   is a deadly form of skin cancer, one they’re most concerned about preventing.

Dr. Plescia says there’s also great concern about tanning bed use.  He says it’s a significant risk for cancer, because tanning beds are considered a carcinogen.

The study found almost one-third of women ages 18 to 25 used tanning beds regularly over the last year. Among white adults who report indoor tanning, 58% of women and 40% of men used one 10 or more times in the previous year.

Dr. Plescia says the incidence of malignant melanoma is actually higher among men than women.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.

Cancer Information Service Wants to Help People Facing a Cancer Diagnosis

When people are diagnosed with cancer, they may have a lot of questions from treatment to emotional support.  There’s an information service offering free and confidential advice. The Cancer Information Service is an arm of the National Cancer Institute, which supports research into the disease.

Cancer Information Specialist Maia Low says anyone can call at 1-800-4-cancer or go on line to cancer.gov. She says the service can take as much time as a caller needs to understand what’s going on with them.   The phone lines are open each week day from 8 am until 8 pm.

 Low says  so many complicated concepts that can be introduced when someone is diagnosed with cancer.  She says it can take awhile for the person to process that information to know what kind of questions to ask.

Low says the service wants to help people understand what’s really going on when they’ve been diagnosed. They can talk about standard treatment options, give the caller information on locating treatment centers near them, or resources for getting a second opinion.

Low says the service can provide referrals to national or state organizations that can provide financial assistance to people undergoing cancer treatment.

Low says the service can help with the emotional aspect of diagnosis. She says they have supportive publications that talk about being diagnosed, having a recurrence of cancer or having a loved one who is newly diagnosed.  She says these help with the different emotions that can arise and ways to cope with those.

The National Cancer Institute can also be found on Facebook .