Nisha Pandey

Health and Me

Norah O’Donnell’s Skin Cancer Journey: Her Dermatologist Warns Against Tanning Beds & Sunburns

Norah O’Donnell’s Melanoma Journey: Her Dermatologist Warns Against Tanning Beds & Sunburns

US journalist Norah O’Donnell recently spoke about the importance of early <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/skin-cancer">skin cancer</a></span> detection a decade after being diagnosed with <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/melanoma">melanoma</a></span>, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

She said her experience changed her outlook towards sun protection. She also shared advice related to skin cancer from her <span>dermatologist</span>, Dr Elizabeth Hale.

According to <em>CBS </em><em>News</em>, O’Donnell recalled that it was during a routine dermatology appointment when Hale noticed two concerning spots on her back.

 A biopsy confirmed melanoma, but the cancer was detected early and removed before it could spread.

O’Donnell said she now seeks shade wherever she can find, wears UV-protective clothing and regularly reapplies broad-spectrum sunscreen when spending time outdoors. She also reflected on her past exposure to sunburns and tanning salons.

Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Although it accounts for a smaller proportion of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for an alarming share of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/tattoos-may-increase-cancer-risk-study-suggests-article-151243845" data-type="tilCustomLink">skin cancer</a> deaths.

Hale emphasised that early detection can make a considerable difference. “Even though it only accounts for 5% of new cases of skin cancer, it’s responsible for more than 75% of skin cancer-related deaths,” she said.

She also spoke about the importance of getting suspicious spots examined rather than waiting for them to become more noticeable and serious.

“There have been major advances in melanoma treatment, but it’s still really best to get your skin checked because when melanoma is caught early it has greater than a 99% five-year survival. But once it spreads, that survival rate goes down precipitously,” Hale said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/jeana-keoughs-cancer-battle-why-the-rhoc-star-is-struggling-to-recover-after-tongue-cancer-treatment-article-156382561" data-type="tilCustomLink">Jeana Keough’s Cancer Battle: Why The ‘RHOC’ Star Is Struggling To Recover After Tongue Cancer Treatment</a>

<h2>Tanning Beds And Sunburns Increase Melanoma Risk</h2>

Speaking about skin cancer risks related to tanning beds and sunburns, Hale said <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/4-medications-that-increase-skin-cancer-risk-but-millions-take-it-everyday-article-151227120" data-type="tilCustomLink">melanoma</a> cases have been increasing among women in their 20s and 30s.

“It is directly related to exposure to tanning beds and to sunburns,” she said.

According to the <span>Skin Cancer Foundation</span>, using tanning beds before 35 could increase melanoma risk by 75%.

Hale also warned against the growing trend of deliberately seeking a tan through prolonged, unprotected sun exposure.

“There really is no such thing as … a safe, healthy tan,” she said.

A tan is not simply a cosmetic appeal. As Hale explained, it denotes “DNA damage” that may contribute to cancer later in life.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/daily-vaping-in-the-us-surged-230-nearly-50-of-young-adult-daily-vapers-used-high-nicotine-e-cigarettes-studies-article-156378099" data-type="tilCustomLink">Daily Vaping In The US Surged 230%; Nearly 50% Of Young Adult Daily Vapers Used High-Nicotine E-Cigarettes: Studies</a>

<h2>What Does Her Dermatologist Recommend?</h2>

Hale recommends regular skin examinations to nab suspicious skin changes early. She advises people to discuss their individual <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/ai-tool-uses-facial-photos-to-estimate-biological-age-and-predict-cancer-patients-survival-risk-article-156376862" data-type="tilCustomLink">cancer</a> screening needs with a dermatologist, especially if they have a family history of skin cancer.

Sun protection is another essential part of prevention. Hale recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours when spending extended periods outdoors.

Her advice on choosing sunscreen is straightforward: “the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use”.

<h2>Non-Negotiable Sunscreen Ritual </h2>

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As per the <span>Johns Hopkins Medicine</span>, wearing sunscreen is the easiest and the best ways to protect your skin's appearance and health at any age. It recommends to use it regularly to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.

While everyone needs sun exposure to produce vitamin D, unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, skin, and the immune system.

To protect, apply 1 ounce of sunscreen throughout your body. To protect your face and neck, you will need about half a teaspoon of sunscreen.

Experts also believe that as long as the sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and is water-resistant, it does not matter what order you apply your skin care products. While some people find it is easiest to work with bare skin, some do it at the end.

Protective clothing and seeking shade can provide additional protection, especially during prolonged outdoor activities.

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US journalist Norah O’Donnell recently spoke about the importance of early skin cancer detection a decade after being diagnosed with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. She said her experience changed her outlook towards sun protection. She also shared advice related to skin cancer from her dermatologist, Dr Elizabeth Hale.According to CBS News, O’Donnell recalled that it was during a routine dermatology appointment when Hale noticed two concerning spots on her back. A biopsy confirmed melanoma, but the cancer was detected early and removed before it could spread.O’Donnell said she now seeks shade wherever she can find, wears UV-protective clothing and regularly reapplies broad-spectrum sunscreen when spending time outdoors. She also reflected on her past exposure to sunburns and tanning salons.Detecting Melanoma Early Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin colour. Although it accounts for a smaller proportion of skin cancer cases, it is responsible for an alarming share of skin cancer deaths.Hale emphasised that early detection can make a considerable difference. “Even though it only accounts for 5% of new cases of skin cancer, it’s responsible for more than 75% of skin cancer-related deaths,” she said.She also spoke about the importance of getting suspicious spots examined rather than waiting for them to become more noticeable and serious. “There have been major advances in melanoma treatment, but it’s still really best to get your skin checked because when melanoma is caught early it has greater than a 99% five-year survival. But once it spreads, that survival rate goes down precipitously,” Hale said.Also read: Jeana Keough’s Cancer Battle: Why The ‘RHOC’ Star Is Struggling To Recover After Tongue Cancer TreatmentTanning Beds And Sunburns Increase Melanoma RiskSpeaking about skin cancer risks related to tanning beds and sunburns, Hale said melanoma cases have been increasing among women in their 20s and 30s.“It is directly related to exposure to tanning beds and to sunburns,” she said.According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, using tanning beds before 35 could increase melanoma risk by 75%. Hale also warned against the growing trend of deliberately seeking a tan through prolonged, unprotected sun exposure.“There really is no such thing as … a safe, healthy tan,” she said.A tan is not simply a cosmetic appeal. As Hale explained, it denotes “DNA damage” that may contribute to cancer later in life.Also read: Daily Vaping In The US Surged 230%; Nearly 50% Of Young Adult Daily Vapers Used High-Nicotine E-Cigarettes: StudiesWhat Does Her Dermatologist Recommend?Hale recommends regular skin examinations to nab suspicious skin changes early. She advises people to discuss their individual cancer screening needs with a dermatologist, especially if they have a family history of skin cancer.Sun protection is another essential part of prevention. Hale recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours when spending extended periods outdoors.Her advice on choosing sunscreen is straightforward: “the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use”.Non-Negotiable Sunscreen Ritual             As per the Johns Hopkins Medicine, wearing sunscreen is the easiest and the best ways to protect your skin's appearance and health at any age. It recommends to use it regularly to prevent sunburn, skin cancer, and premature aging.While everyone needs sun exposure to produce vitamin D, unprotected exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause damage to the eyes, skin, and the immune system.To protect, apply 1 ounce of sunscreen throughout your body. To protect your face and neck, you will need about half a teaspoon of sunscreen.Experts also believe that as long as the sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and is water-resistant, it does not matter what order you apply your skin care products. While some people find it is easiest to work with bare skin, some do it at the end.Protective clothing and seeking shade can provide additional protection, especially during prolonged outdoor activities.