As the semester comes to an end and summer is quickly approaching, women (and men!) all over campus are in pursuit of one particular vacation accessory: the perfect, golden tan.
Students can be seen sunbathing at North Campus’s Lake Mary Nell or soaking up the rays on the grass outside Moseley. Others choose alternative methods of tanning, such as visiting one of the many tanning salons Burlington has to offer.
It’s no secret that going to the tanning beds is dangerous. It seems like every magazine and skin expert out there is preaching against the evils of the infamous “fake-bake.” Although many university women now opt for the safe, quick and easy spray tan, others choose to continue frequenting indoor tanning beds.
According to the National Skin Cancer Foundation, more than one million Americans use the tanning bed each day, and a vast majority of these people are women aged 16-29. Of these, one in 55 will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime.
No matter what method you prefer, there are always risks to sun-exposure. It’s important to be aware of the signs of skin cancer so you can take care of yourself this summer.
The most important thing in terms of sun-safety is prevention. If you’re smart, you’ll take steps to ensure that the potential for your skin to be in danger is low. According to Katherine Tweed of FOX News, there are five major ways to prevent skin damage: minimizing amounts of exposed skin, wearing the correct amount of SPF, knowing the signs of skin cancer, having a relationship with a dermatologist, and consuming heightened amounts of antioxidants.
The Cancer Research Institute website states that “since early detection greatly improves one’s chances of surviving melanoma, you should examine your skin every six to eight weeks. The best time to do this is after a bath or shower, standing in front of a full-length mirror.” You should look for moles that are asymmetrical in shape, abnormally large in size, and have irregular borders or color.
If you spot a mole that possesses one or more of these qualities, it’s time to call your doctor. Even if the mole turns out to be normal, it’s better to be safe than sorry and a physician will respect your caution and proactivity.
So however you choose to obtain your sun-kissed glow, always be cautious. Remember that although looking like a bronzed-goddess is temporarily totally satisfying, skin cancer is deadly. Many college students feel young and invincible, but harmful sun-exposure is dangerous to everyone.
Still not convinced of the dangers of the sun? Want to hear personal stories about skin cancer? Check out the powerful and inspirational video “Dear 16-Year-Old Me” on YouTube today.