SKIN CANCER

BY: Laura7th Grade social studies

WHAT IS SKIN CANCER AND

HOW DO YOU GET IT?

MAIN CAUSES OF SKIN CANCER

• UVA Rays (Radiation)

• UVB Rays (Radiation)

• Indoor Tanning-Sun Lamps-Tanning Beds/Booths

UVA RADIATION

• UVA is ultraviolet radiation with wavelengths between 320-400nm

• UVA Rays make up 90-95% of UV radiation that reaches earth

• UVA penetrates deeper layers of skin

UVB Radiation

• Wavelength of 290-320nm

• Makes up 5-10% of solar radiation that reaches earth

• UVB is the strongest between 10am-4pm in April- October

• UVB causes sun burn

RISKS of TANNING SALONS

• UVA RAYS from tanning bed stronger than from the sun

• Risk of Skin Cancer jumps 75% when use tanning beds before age 30

• UV Radiation during indoor tanning damages DNA in skin cells

• Indoor UV Radiation exposure can lead to skin aging, immune suppression, and eye damage

WORST EFFECTED AREAS

• North America, Cuba

• Eastern Europe

• Europe

• Australia, Asia Pacific, and East Asia

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma -Most common type, found mostly in Caucasians

• Nodular Melanoma - Starts as raised area

• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma –Occurs mostly in elderly

• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma- Least common form

HIGHER RISK PEOPLE

• Over age 65

• Fair skin, light hair, blue-green eyes

• Lots of sunburns as child

• Use tanning devices

MY SOLUTIONS

• Always wear Sunscreen

• Don’t stay in sun for long periods of time

• Don’t use indoor tanning beds-booths

SOURCES

• livescience.com• medicinenet.com• kidhealth.org• mayoclinic.com• cancer.stanford.edu• everydayhealth.com• ge.geglobalresearch.edu