Skin cancer could be a culmination of environmental and genetic factors, with the former being within our control. However, a report by CDC professionals revealed that the younger generation is taking risks in terms of skin cancer.
Among a set of people in the age-group of 18 to 29, almost 50% seemed to have suffered from sunburn in the previous year. This effect was seen even after they resorted to protective habits like sunscreen use, wearing covered clothing and looking for shady places. Another crucial point of observation is the use of indoor tanning beds. Nearly 32% of white women aged between 18 and 21 as well as 22 to 25-year old counterparts succumbed to indoor tanning methods.
“More public health efforts, including providing shade and sunscreen in recreational settings, are needed to raise awareness of the importance of sun protection and sunburn prevention to reduce the burden of skin cancer. We must accelerate our efforts to educate young adults about the dangers of indoor tanning to prevent melanoma as this generation ages,” commented Marcus Plescia, M.D., M.P.H., director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control.
A recent report talked about women not being cautious of using sunscreens while out in the summer or during long distance travel to sunny nations. Preventing harmful UV radiation from the sun and other indoor tanning devices is cited to be an effective way of preventing skin cancer. Using technological equipments for getting a tan may increase cancer risk by nearly 75%.
This report essentially shows that the youth is not taking keen steps to prevent skin cancer.