Kenny Rogers isn't gambling with his health, and he doesn't want you to either. Last month, the singing legend used social media to promote skin cancer awareness as he revealed a photo of himself on Instagram following surgery for skin cancer. The candid photo, which shows Rogers with a large bandage on his face, was picked up by media outlets around the world. In a message to his fans accompanying the photo, Rogers wrote, "I recommend everyone go get checked." (Follow Kenny at http://instagram.com/kennyrogers#).
Wolverine star Hugh Jackman has also been stricken with the disease, and last month, he announced his second bout with skin cancer. His message to fans on Instagram, "PLEASE! PLEASE! WEAR SUNSCREEN!" is a good reminder as the sun's rays grow more fierce as we head toward summer.
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Rogers and Jackman are only two of many celebrities and politicians who have had skin cancers removed. Celebrities include Cybill Shepherd, Elizabeth Taylor, Anderson Cooper, Melanie Griffith, and Diane Keaton. Politicians stricken include Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan. Unfortunately, skin cancer proved fatal to the legendary reggae legend Bob Marley who died at the age of 36 from melanoma, the most deadly of skin cancers.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and 1 in every 5 Americans will be diagnosed during their lifetime. The Skin Cancer Foundation says while most people enjoying getting some sunshine, more than 90 percent of skin cancers are caused by the sun's ultraviolet rays, and the sun's damage accumulates over your lifetime.
Follow these tips to keep your skin safe from sun this summer:
• Avoid direct sun when rays are at their strongest— between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — and stay in the shade when possible. If you need to be outside, use an umbrella or cover up with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats that shade your neck and ears as well as your face. Experts advise those with fair or thinning hair to be especially vigilant.
• Always use sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF (sun protection factor), and apply it at least 15 minutes before going into the water. Reapply after swimming or sweating. If you notice your skin becoming red, go inside or at least duck into heavy shade.
• Take precautions even on cloudy days; you can still get sunburn.
• Steer clear of tanning beds and sunlamps.
• Take oral antioxidants. "A number of studies have shown that oral antioxidants provide powerful protection against skin damage from aging and sun exposure," says nationally recognized health practitioner Dr. Russell Blaylock. They include green tea, silymarin (a component of milk thistle), grapeseed extract, pycnogenol, curcumin, quercetin, rosemary, resveratrol, and vitamins C, D, and E.
Enjoy the sun, but avoid burning at all costs. A single sunburn increases your risk of melanoma, and just five sunburns double your lifetime risk.
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