- Social media misinformation may be contributing to rise in skin cancer rates.
- Young adults are susceptible to dangerous trends like ‘tanmaxxing’ and visible burn lines.
- About 90% of skin cancers are linked to UV exposure from the sun or tanning beds.
Skin cancer rates are climbing and the Skin Cancer Foundation is worried that social media misinformation may be one reason why.
In a news release this week, the national organization notes a “surge in ultraviolet radiation misinformation on social media platforms that encourages dangerous behaviors that can increase the risk of DNA damage to the skin and lead to skin cancer.”
The announcement notes that young adults are “especially vulnerable” to the faulty messages they might see on social media surrounding tanning and sun exposure.
Current misinformation trends include “tanmaxxing” or “visible burn lines.” Meanwhile, per the foundation, surveys show that misconceptions are widely shared.
An American Academy of Dermatology survey showed that nearly 6 in 10 adults under age 35 believe at least one of the most common tanning or sun-exposure myths.
And skin cancer is not a benign problem.
“Despite what you might hear on social media, there is no such thing as a healthy tan,” according to Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff, president of the foundation. “It is important to remember that tanning, whether from the sun or a tanning bed, is a sign of DNA damage to the skin. The dermatology community cannot emphasize enough that the best way to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer is by adopting a complete UV protection strategy.”
About skin cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that skin cancer is the most common cancer category in the U.S. And most cases are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. “UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.”
City of Hope Cancer Center reports that “UVB rays stimulate skin cells known as melanocytes to produce melanin, causing a sunburn or tan, both of which are signs of damage. As many as 90% of melanomas are thought to be caused by UV exposure, and both basal cell and squamous cell cancers — the two most common skin cancers — are most often found on sun-exposed parts of the body, suggesting a strong causative role for the sun’s rays."
Overexposed and dangerous myths
The foundation reports that about 90% of both nonmelanoma and melanoma skin cancers are from UV exposure from the sun or indoor tanning. The foundation said that indoor tanning devices can emit UV radiation “that can be 10 to 15 times stronger than the sun at peak intensity.”
The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery outlines some of the common skin cancer myths. The following are all untrue. And they are not the only myths surrounding UV damage:
- You cannot get skin cancer if you’re not outdoors regularly. In fact, damage can be cumulative and brief exposure over time can add up.
- A tanning bed is safer than the sun’s UV rays. You can get a more even “tanned” look with sunless tanning products, per the society.
- People who tan easily and rarely burn don’t get skin cancer. Over time, regardless of skin tone, you risk skin cancer.
- Any problem mole or skin change can just be removed before it becomes cancer.
- You don’t need sunscreen when it’s cloudy. UV rays can still harm skin.
- Dark-skinned men and women are not at risk. Skin tone and age are not protective: Anyone can develop skin cancer. And while it can be treated when detected early, it can be disfiguring. When treatment is delayed or not done, it can be life-threatening and in some cases actually kill.
- Skin cancer doesn’t impact young people.
Protecting yourself from UV rays
It’s important to get advice on sun protection from trusted science and medicine based resources, not anyone who can post a viral video or meme. Any health information should be verified with reliable sources before it’s shared, the foundation said.
SkinCancer. org/Truth tackles some of the misinformation that’s circulating.
The group notes that dermatologists agree sun protection is health protection and they recommend wearing protective clothing, seeking shade and using broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher on exposed skin. If you’re going to be outdoors a while, the recommendation shifts to SPF 50 or higher and water-resistant.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours and do so after swimming or sweating.
The group also suggests regularly checking your skin to see if there are changes or anything unusual. An annual visit to a dermatologist for a professional exam is also recommended.