Some evidence suggests that intermittent intense sun exposure (severe or frequent sunburning), especially during childhood and adolescence, may increase risk of developing dangerous malignant melanoma later in life.
Exposure to the radiation in artificial sources of sunlight, namely sun lamps and tanning booths, may also increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Unfortunately, sun damage from ultraviolet light is cumulative over a lifetime. Once exposed, you can never reverse the exposure. But you can limit further exposure and more severe skin damage by starting today to stay out of the sunshine.
During the last 20 years all types of skin cancer have increased dramatically throughout the United States and especially in the Southwest. Southern Arizona, for example, has the second highest rate of skin cancer in the world behind Queensland, Australia. Skin cancer is the most common malignancy in the U.S. The national goal is to increase to 60 percent by the year 2000 the proportion of all people who limit sun exposure, use sunscreen, wear protective clothing when outdoors and avoid artificial tanning devices. Public health education programs, the media and the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries that manufacture sunscreens have helped bring the magnitude of the skin cancer problem into national focus.
Sexual Practices Sexual history and habits influence the chance of developing cancer. They can either protect you or promote the growth of tumors. Childbearing reduces the risk of cancers of the ovary, uterus and breast. And women who give birth before age 30 are less likely to develop breast cancer in later life.
