The truth is, the incidence of skin cancer is rising, and makes up about 50% of all cancers in the U.S.  Some experts believe the increase is partly based on better detection — like advanced screenings we do at MoleSafe — and partly based on increased awareness.  But certainly we’re also all aware that sunscreen is our first line of defense for preventing sunburn.

Or is it?

Actually, wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and pants, hat, and sunglasses) and staying out of midday sun are your first and second lines of defense…followed by sunscreen.  That’s according to a Consumer Reports Quiz of facts and myths about sun exposure, reported by The Washington Post.

Separating the facts from the myths is more important than ever.  And being smart about UV exposure shows you know how to make the right choices.  As Dr. Allan C. Halpern, MD, Editor-in-Chief of The Melanoma Letter and Chief, Dermatology Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, says

…fashion and recreation trends leading to increased ultraviolet sun exposure and tanning bed use are likely the major driving force behind the melanoma epidemic.

With melanoma on the rise, it makes sense for us all to be more UV savvy.  See how “sun smart” and knowledgeable you are about skin cancer.  Try a few of these sample questions.  Then check out the rest of the Consumer Reports Quiz to see how well you know your facts from your myths about sun exposure and cancer.

Here are a couple of questions to get you started with our added comment on the answers…

1. Melanoma’s death rate is higher for those with darker skin.  TRUE OR FALSE?
• TRUE. While the incidence of of skin cancer is lower, more skin cancers go undetected in people with darker skin, often from fewer exams…so don’t rest on statistics! For more details, see our post from last May.
2. Men and women are at equal risk of getting skin cancer.  TRUE OR FALSE?
• (Hint:  Review the Melanoma Updates post from July!)
3. Having a lot of regular moles increases the risk of melanoma. TRUE OR FALSE?
• TRUE. “A lot” is roughly defined as about 50 or more, but other factors include genetics, hair and eye coloring, and previous sunburns.

More details about risk factors are on the quiz, and the truth about which of your moles might be suspicious is available from a screening at MoleSafe.