MENACING MELANOMA STATISTICS¹

• More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2008
• Current estimates are that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime
• Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old
• One American dies of melanoma almost every hour (every 62 min.)
• The World Health Organization estimates that as many as 65,161 people a year worldwide die from too much sun, mostly from malignant skin cancer
• More than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma
• The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99%
• Three or more blistering sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of developing melanoma

¹ American Cancer Society. 2008 Cancer Facts and Figures

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UVA AND UVB RAYS

UVA
• Long-wave solar rays
• Penetrates the skin more deeply
• Considered the chief culprit behind wrinkling, leathering, and other aspects of "photoaging"
• Not only increases UVB's cancer-causing effects, but may directly cause some skin cancers, including melanomas

UVB
• Short-wave solar rays
• More potent than UVA in producing sunburn
• Considered the main cause of basal and squamous cell carcinomas as well as a significant cause of melanoma

The SPF number on sunscreens only reflects the product's screening ability for UVB rays. At present, there is no FDA-approved rating system that identifies UVA protection. Scientists are working to create a standardized testing system to measure UVA protection. Note: Screen, Inc.’s products tested with a high UVA factor of 10.01 out of 12. It's unclear exactly where we will fall on the new scale, but we are incredibly pleased with our UVA results.

Other Interesting UV Facts:
• UV radiation increases by 4% per 1000 feet
• Intensity is strongest between 10:00am and 4:00pm
• 80% of UV Rays penetrate through clouds

What About Sun Reflection?
UV rays can reflect off many surfaces:
• Water: 100%
• Snow: 85%
• Sand: 25%
• Concrete: 25%

FAKE AND BAKE?

• UVA rays that are emitted from tanning beds are 2 to 3 times more powerful than the UVA rays which occur naturally from the sun. Men and women who have ever used tanning beds are 15% more likely to develop melanoma
• Melanoma risks are increased by 300% for those using tanning beds occasionally. The risk increases by 800% for those who use tanning beds more than 10 times a year
• The UVA rays from tanning beds contribute to severe eye damage such as conjunctivitis and corneal burn

Exposure to tanning beds before age 35 boosts melanoma risk by 75%

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