Don't ignore sun block warnings - KOAM TV 7

Don't ignore sun block warnings

Staying cool in the pool can be dangerous for your skin and a lot of  young adults are ignoring the warnings from doctors.

A study by the Centers for Disease Control says more than 50% of those 18 to 29 admit getting sunburned at least once a year, and worse, that percentage admits to not using sun blocks.

Doctors at the Freeman Cancer Institute say one blistering burn double's anyone's chance of getting the skin cancer known as melanoma.

A Freeman oncologist, John Vu, MD, says melanoma is now the most common type of skin cancer in young adults.

"Those cancers we're seeing in young adults and those are the ones that usually kill young adults, those are also related to sun exposure risk factors too, about 65% of melanoma's associated with sun exposure," says Dr. Vu.

Vu also says its important that sun block should be applied 30 minutes before going out or entering water to be effective.  Otherwise he recommends using waterproof types when in water.