Unsafe Sun: Limit Exposure & Reduce Risk

Aired on Lifetime Television
May 4 and June 15, 2008
Show 511

Ah, the sunshine on your face, the sunshine on your shoulder. It makes you happy, doesn't it?  But despite the perceived benefits of a healthy-looking glow, sun exposure is not good for your skin. In fact, your risk of melanoma – the deadliest type of skin cancer – doubles if you've had only five or more sunburns in your lifetime.  With those kinds of sobering facts becoming better known, tanning is on its way out. Millions of people, like Pat Aaby, have dealt with melanomas and other skin cancers. Thanks to early diagnosis and treatment, Pat and many like him become cancer-free – but they must stay vigilant. The good news is that most skin cancers are very treatable and scientists are working on even more. At the Arizona Cancer Center, doctors and researchers are working to develop topical creams that target sun-damaged cells and actually reverse sun damage. Meanwhile, people should continue to wear high-SPF sunscreen if they're going to be out in the sun and embrace their natural skin tones.