A recent study from Utah found that skiers and ski resort employees are more likely to develop a potentially fatal form of skin cancer. In the U.S, 5 million people find they have skin cancer every year, according to CDC’s estimates.
Melanoma, which is the deadliest type of skin cancer, is usually caused by unprotected exposure to ultraviolet light. That light can come from the sun or a tanning bed.
The new study found that skiers are more likely to develop the condition than the average population.
Researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute asked nearly 400 sky resort workers to be screened for cancer. The experiment was conducted at two ski resorts in Utah. The findings were shocking.
- Ten percent of study participants were diagnosed with skin cancer.
- An extra 20% were asked to undergo a biopsy, and more than a third were asked to undergo other types of screening.
Nearly half of volunteers said they wouldn’t have asked their doctors to be screened for skin cancer.
Melanoma Rates Are The Highest in These States
Utah is the U.S. state with the highest rates of deadly skin cancer in the nation. The next in line are Washington, Montana, and Idaho. California, Oregon, Wyoming, and Colorado have also high melanoma rates. Not surprisingly, all the states have popular ski resorts.
Nevertheless, skin cancer can be easily prevented. Skin care experts recommend staying in the shade during peak sun hours, wearing protective clothing, and using an appropriate SPF. Sunscreen is recommended even in winter as the cold does not protect you from harmful UV radiation.
CDC researchers recommend an SPF15 for daily use. Also, the sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours if you are physically active, sweat a lot, or you go into the water. For skiers, new research recommends a sunscreen with SPF 100, as SPF 50 seems to not be enough.
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