Six Skin Cancer Myths
Myth #1: Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.
"Darker skin types can be under diagnosed for skin cancer," said Dermatologist Michelle Pelle, from Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, California. She said in dark-skinned people, skin cancer often shows up under fingernails or on the soles of feet.
Myth #2: Only burns lead to skin cancer.
"No tan is safe. Every time you're sun exposed, you're damaging DNA," said Dr. Pelle.
A new study shows the shine of lip gloss may actually attract UV rays and increase the risk of skin cancer. "The lip is a very sensitive area of skin and tends to get burned more frequently," said Dr. Dennis Rousseau, Surgical Oncologist with Florida Hospital Cancer Institute in Orlando, Florida.
Myth #3: Tanning beds are safer than the actual sun.
Experts say 20 minutes in a bed is equal to about 4 hours in the sun.
Myth #4: Your clothes protect against the sun.
"A t-shirt might have an SPF of six to eight, which is not really adequate," said Dr. Rousseau.
Experts recommend you apply sunscreen even under clothes and use enough -- about a shot glass full for the entire body. Try non-glossy chapstick, cover up, and check yourself monthly for suspicious moles.
"Most normal moles have a uniform color, have fairly regular borders and are smaller than six millimeters in size," said Dr. Rousseau.
One last myth -- it's not just in your genes. Research shows less than 10% of melanomas are genetic. The majority are caused by something you can avoid -- the sun. Recent research has shown women with a Vitamin D deficiency are more likely to develop breast cancer.
Copyright 2008 by Ivanhoe Broadcast News and News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.






Former NFL quarterback Steve McNair and a woman were found shot to death Saturday inside a residence in Nashville, police say.
One person is dead following a traffic crash in the middle of the Fuller Warren Bridge.
Authorities in Gainesville still searching for the gunmen.
Cities and towns across northeast Florida and southeast Georgia put on fireworks displays, parades, concerts and other celebrations of America's birthday.
Jacksonville begins Independence Day festivities on Friday, with much more in store for the holiday.
An afternoon of country music is capped by SkyBlast, Jacksonville's fireworks display.
One day after 76 dogs were confiscated from a south Putnam County mobile home, plenty of people are offering homes for the animals, but they may only be temporary.
The Jacksonville Sheriff's Office has arrested four people accused of shoplifting at a Westside department store is also suspected of hitting stores at the St. Johns Town Center.
Sarah Palin is stepping down as Alaska governor.
It formed in southern Duval County and slowly moved north -- mostly on or near the St. Johns River -- so thousands of people could witness its power.
Viewers throughout Duval County saw, snapped and sent in photos of the waterspout that moved up the river Friday afternoon.
Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled.
View All Fugitives On 'Wheel'