Hispanic Americans may also suffer from skin cancer: this summer, protect yourself.

As the weather gets warmer in the summer, Americans begin to spend more time outdoors, cooking on the grill, playing outdoor sports, gardening, and going to the beach, in short, enjoying the sun. However, some people may be risking much more serious than a tan. It is possible that Hispanic Americans do not take measures to protect against the sun as do the white and think that the melanin in dark skin protects against skin cancer. While skin cancer it is less common among people with darker skin, with patients often present a more advanced stage and, therefore, have a worse prognosis. Although the number of Hispanics affected by skin cancer is small, if it happens that one of these people is a family member or one of his friends, the idea that skin cancer is a distressing condition has been fulfilled for you. The National Cancer Institute talks about the myths about skin cancer and how Hispanics can protect the skin.

Myth: There is only one type of skin cancer.
Fact: There are several types of skin cancer. The two most common types of skin cancers are not melanoma (basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma) and melanoma. Skin cancer basal cell grows slowly. Almost always occurs in parts of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, and is more common in the face. Basal cell cancer rarely spreads to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also occurs in parts of the skin that have been exposed to the sun, but can also occur in places not exposed to the sun. Furthermore, squamous cell carcinoma often spreads to lymph nodes and internal organs of the body. Melanoma occurs much less frequently than basal cell carcinoma and squamous, but is the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer.

Myth: The only risk factor for skin cancer is excess exposure to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight).

Fact: Research has shown that several risk factors are associated with skin cancer. For example, studies suggest that both exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation sensitivity of skin to this radiation are risk factors for skin cancer. Ultraviolet radiation is the name of the invisible rays that are part of the energy from the sun. But there are other risk factors, such as having burns or scars on the skin, or a weakened immune system, have undergone radiotherapy in the past or suffer chronic skin diseases such as lupus.

Myth: I can do nothing to reduce the risk of skin cancer.

Fact: Protect skin and eyes from the sun is the best way to reduce your risk of skin cancer. For example, seek shade or stay away from the midday sun between 10 am and 4 pm whenever possible. Use a sunscreen with an sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses that absorb ultraviolet rays. Wear clothing that covers the skin to protect against the sun's ultraviolet rays, and be more careful around water, snow and sand, which reflect UV rays.

It is also important not to burn, avoid tanning beds and be on the lookout for changes in the skin. Melanoma usually begins as an unusual mole. For early detection, be sure to examine your skin once a month to detect new growths or changes in existing lesions. If you find a change in the skin or are concerned about their cancer risk, talk to your doctor.

How can Hispanic Americans learn more about skin cancer?

You can visit the website www.cancer.gov / Spanish. On the home page choose "melanoma" or "skin cancer" from the list of the most common types of cancer or call 1-800-422-6237 (1-800-4-CANCER). Do not be unprepared if you are diagnosed with skin cancer because he never thought would happen. Everyone runs the risk of skin cancer. This summer and all year, protect and advise your family and friends to do the same.