Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or from tanning beds is an important and controllable risk factor for skin damage, including uneven skin tone, wrinkling, and skin cancer. While the incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, has increased throughout the 20^th century -- coinciding with the popularity of outdoor and indoor tanning -- a tan has not always been desirable or fashionable.  Just as smoking has become unfashionable due to our knowledge of its association with cancer and heart disease, by reexamining the factors contributing to the rise of tanning and by discussing its association with skin cancer, we hope to expose certain myths about tanning and ultimately discourage harmful UV exposure.

(published in The Skin Cancer Foundation Journal, Vol. XXVI, 2008)

Henry W. Lim, MD

In a few short decades, sun protection has come a long way. Suntan lotion has been replaced by sunscreen; metal reflectors have given way to shade umbrellas. Simple veils or visors to shield the eyes have been superseded by wide-framed UV-blocking sunglasses.

Nowhere is this evolution more evident than in the ever-improving quality and effectiveness of sunscreens.

MONA GOHARA, MD, AND MARITZA PEREZ, MD

Caucasians are the primary victims of skin cancer. However, everyone, regardless of skin color, can fall prey to it. Unfortunately, many patients and even some physicians are under the impression that non-Caucasian people are immune to this disease. That is one reason people of color are diagnosed with skin cancer at later stages. These delays mean that skin cancers are often advanced and potentially fatal, whereas most skin cancers are curable if caught and treated in a timely manner. Tragically, this is what happened to legendary reggae musician Bob Marley: What was dismissed as a soccer injury under his toenail turned out to be an aggressive form of melanoma that ultimately caused his death at 36. Mr. Marley’s story reminds us why both medical providers and the public need to be educated about skin cancer and skin of color.

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