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Protect skin in summer, fall, all year

By Tracy Bell
Published: August 21, 2008

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With just a few days left in August and Labor Day fast approaching, summer is just about gone. But, that doesn't mean the sun is.

September, not the summertime months interestingly enough, is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

So, when you're out having fun in the sun, just remember that protecting your skin is something that you'll be thankful you did later.

I have a sister-in-law who likes to go to tanning salons, and it is beyond me why. Sure, it’s a nice look to have the appearance of a summer glow, but at what risk?

Both the sun and tanning salons present a danger to the skin, and a diagnosis of skin cancer is not going to be worth it later.

One in five Americans will develop some type of skin cancer during his or her lifetime. The disease ranks above prostate, colon and lung cancer in prevalence.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn in childhood can double a person’s melanoma risk later in life.

Every day, cancer overall kills 1,500 Americans — one person every minute. In 2008, more than 550,000 Americans and 6 million people worldwide will succumb to the disease, according to Stand Up to Cancer, a philanthropic effort and group accelerating some groundbreaking research and special campaigns.

So, as summer winds down and fall kicks off, don’t forget sunscreen, baseball caps, umbrellas and anything else that will protect you from the sun. Years from now, your skin will thank you.

Tracy Bell is managing editor of the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at info@staffordcountysun.com.