Is skin cancer really that dangerous?

Question

We always put sunscreen on our kids, but is it really necessary other than to avoid the occaisonal sunburn?

Answer 1

Sun damage accumulates over a lifetime, it really does. Even if the areas where skin cancer does not develop, the underlying collagen in the dermis gets damaged by the sun and leads to premature aging of the skin, with loss of elasticity, etc.

I have some early sun damage that probably arose in childhood due to the fact that I was outdoors all the time. I wanted freckles REAL bad, and my mom would tell me to just go get more sun. I just got as brown as toast, never freckled....

Of course, the most dangerous of skin cancers is melanoma, direct relationship to sun exposure. Can metastasize and kill someone before even a doctor has noticed the primary lesion. Second most dangerous would be squamous cell, which, left untreated, can be destructive and eventually metastasize. Least dangerous is basal cell cancer, that while locally destructive is not one that metastasizes. Just leaves lots of unsightly scars where the doc takes them off.

Answer 2

Skin cancer- all three of them will kill.
Sun screen is not the only defense.
Please read more-


Increased Risks


Beach:
On a beach, the sunrays not only reach your body directly but are also reflected by the sand and the water. This increases your chances of getting damaged by sun very substantially on a beach. It is better to take as much protection as possible while picnicking on a beach.

Heights:
As we go up on a hill, the sun damage increases. So while trekking on a hill or on a hill station, take maximum care with protective clothing, sunscreens, sunglasses and umbrellas.

Snow:
Snow intensely reflects sun radiation. Protect yourself with in as many ways as possible. Wear tightly woven clothes, which cover your body from top to toe. Wear sunglasses and a hat (or use an umbrella), apply higher SPF sunscreen on all the exposed parts, preferably the whole body.

Clouds:
Many of us think that a cloudy day is safe to roam out. Do you know that UVA rays can pass through the clouds? So take protective steps even on a cloudy day.

Time:
Try to remain indoors between 10 am to 4 pm; not only during summer, but also during winter. But if it's inevitable, use enough protection.

Answer 3

There are several kind of skin cancer, from mild to severe.

Since there are kids, keep in mind the skin has a lifelong memory. It may not happen in 5 to 10 years. With every unprotected exposure you increase there changes of getting it. Also keep in mind the environment is not as protected as when you were growing up and it is getting worse.

So, do you kids a favor, protect and educate them. You may save there life's later.

Answer 4

This is why there should be a test pefore people are allowed to have children. How about carseats, do they get to use them or are you a believer in the "better to be ejected" theory?

Answer 5

skin cancer is um last time i checked Cancer and cancer no matter where it originates from is dangerous (Carcinogens- produces cancer)

Answer 6

yes - as with other cancers skin cancer metastisis or spreads to other organs - so while you can live w/out parts of your skin if it spreads to your brain your dead

Answer 7

No more dangerous than running with scissors in your mouth.

Answer 8

melanoma ... Ive known people who have died from it. Or, you get it on your face and they cut it off and you look disfigured.

Answer 9

One word: DEADLY.

Answer 10

It will kill you.......but that's all, not that serious