Some of you may be wondering where I have been. I have been right here at Mary Baldwin College, "Home of the Fighting Squirrels." However I have had a lot on my mind. As many of you know I am not a fan of the current and future president and I was terribly disappointed in the election results. The stress is terrible, that is one of the reasons I exercise, to relieve stress. The other reason is that I had to go to the dermatologist to undergo Moh's surgery for Basal Cell Carcinoma, that is a type of skin cancer. Basal cell is the least serious of the skin cancers and I am fine. I bring this up not because I want your sympathy, but I do want your attention.
In my lifetime I have lost friends and family members to cancer. I have also seen many survivors fight this terrible disease. Cancer can affect anyone, and leading a healthy lifestyle does not guarantee you a cancer free life; however, there are lifestyle changes that can reduce your chance of getting cancer. We all know about cigarette smoking, and yet I see many young ladies smoking. Please stop! I also see many young ladies at MBC with beautiful, golden tans in the dead of winter. Unless they are flying to Jamaica on the weekends I suspect they are visiting a tanning salon. Please stop!
The House Committee on Energy and Commerce released a report that indicated tanning salons are not providing accurate information about the dangers of tanning. The committee questioned several tanning establishments. When the salon owners were asked whether tanning posed a risk to fair-skinned teenage girls, 90% of those asked stated that there was no health risk. Further, 51% denied that this population had a risk of developing skin cancer. Teenage girls are are used in advertisements for these establishments. These girls look healthy and happy and they probably are, for now. The industry is targeting you.
The Skin Cancer Foundation's position is that ultraviolet light (UV) radiation is a proven human carcinogen. New research has shown that just four visits to a tanning booth per year increases your risk of melanoma by 11% and increases your risk of basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma by 15%. The sun and the tanning booth both produce UV rays that can be harmful to your skin.
When in the sun, protect yourself with sun screen having an Broad Spectrum SPF of at least 15. I don't want you to fear the sun just respect the sun. A great tan may look good now, but too much exposure will age your skin and could lead to skin cancer. You can not avoid the sun, especially if you are an outdoor athlete, but you can wear appropriate clothing, sun glasses and sun screen. A tan looks great, cancerous lesions do not.
Melanoma is a potentially deadly cancer which can start in the skin and spread to the lymph nodes and liver. This is the most serious type of skin cancer and can lead to death. Basal cell carcinoma, also know as a rodent ulcer (some of you may think I'm a rat, but that has nothing to do with the name), is a slow growing cancer which is usually found on the face. This cancer does not spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma is also a type of skin cancer which can become deadly if left untreated. Google these diseases, look at the pictures and educate yourself.
I am not one who wants to scare you. I just want to give you information. You are smart, young adults. You have the right to make poor choices. I urge you take the time to stay healthy. Enjoy the sun, enjoy your health and enjoy your youth. March on Squirrels!
