Physicians Warn of Skin Cancer Risks as Summer Months Approach

Medical experts say the amount of sun exposure necessary to cause significant chances of skin cancer is a lot lower than most people think.

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (KVRR) – You’ve probably noticed that the warmer temperatures have largely returned with the region, along with the sunshine.

Before you start soaking up those rays, though – physicians want you to take the proper precautions.

Exposure to UV rays means a greater chance of skin cancer, and many underestimate the amount of exposure it takes to cause damage.

Even receiving one bad sunburn can spike your odds of contracting carcinoma or the much deadlier melanoma.

“It doesn’t take much. Especially if you’re not using any sun protection at all,” said Dr. Lisa Mattson, president of the Minnesota Medical Association. “We know that one in five people are going to develop skin cancer by the time they’re 70. It’s actually the most diagnosed type of cancer, skin cancer, more than any other type of cancer combined.”

Dr. Mattson says that freckles that indicate melanoma can be in places impossible for us to check on our own – which is why she frequently advises hairdressers on how to spot melanoma in someone’s scalp.