Sandals cause skin cancer

by Roger Sinasohn (Subscribe to Roger Sinasohn's posts) Jun 16th 2008 3:02PM

Categories: Fun & Activities, Health & Safety

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Just in time for summer, we've got a new thing to worry about -- skin cancer on your feet, thanks to flip-flops and sandals. Okay, so it's not really anything new or different -- less coverage means more exposure and more exposure can lead to sunburn and eventually skin cancer. Of course, the same is true of shorts, tank tops, and swimsuits.

The solution is the same as for the rest of the body -- lots and lots of sunscreen. Don't forget the soles of your feet too -- they're just as vulnerable. Cancer of the foot -- "acral melanoma" is the technical name -- generally appears on the sole, between the toes, or under the toenails. Further, while patients with cancer elsewhere on their leg have an eighty percent chance of survival, only half of those with foot cancer survive.

For whatever reason, skin cancers are on the rise and we, as parents, have to make sure our kids don't end up with it. So, when you're slathering on the goo, remember to get those feet, tops and bottoms.

Comments (8)

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Laura - DashinFashion.com 6-16-2008 @ 4:12PM

Thanks so much for the tip. I have to admit that this is an area that I don't use enough sunscreen. I had no idea that the chances of survival are only half with foot cancer.

Just wondering, how do we protect ourselves from cancer under the toenails?

Laura
http://www.dashinfashion.com

Karen 6-16-2008 @ 4:35PM

Is it possible that sunscreen is contributing to the rise in skin cancer? Nobody used sunscreen growing up and now EVERYBODY uses it and skin cancer rates are rising.

I suspect healthy doses of the sun - without sunscreen are good for you and that sunscreen gives us a false illusion of safety and people end up with more damage.

baron 6-16-2008 @ 4:40PM

Hmm... sounds more like the sun is causing the cancer, not the sandals. ;)

Anyway, a sunburn on your feet is one of the worst feelings. All it takes is one and you will be sure to make sure you get plenty of sun screen on them.

dee 6-16-2008 @ 6:05PM

According to your logic, bathing suits must be causing way more skin cancers than sandals. Oh, and shorts and short sleeved t-shirts are at fault, too! Obviously, sandals DO NOT cause cancer, sunburns do.

Don't we have enough to worry about with out folks making stuff up just to grab our attention?

Wolfster 6-16-2008 @ 6:01PM

What a bogus article. So the answer is to slather on dangerous chemicals that are absorbed through the skin? Just don't stay in the sun too long, and if you are out long, put on shoes. But humans need some sun, which is the best way to get essential vitamin D AND a cancer-fighter. Articles that just give kneejerk sunblock advice are behind the times.

Monica 6-17-2008 @ 8:07AM

Seriously people, headlines are designed to draw attention, and it was clarified in the first paragraph.

I'm more interested in the 50% survival rate for skin cancer on the foot. I wonder if it's so low because people ignore new moles more where they can't really be seen.

dee 6-18-2008 @ 1:20AM

Of course, headlines are desinged to draw attention. That doesn't mean they should lack for clarity or accuracy, which this one did.

FamilyTravelGirl 6-17-2008 @ 1:58PM

The tops of your feet probably get neglected when applying sunscreen. Unfortunately, that skin seems thin and fragile -- easily damaged. Don't forget that kids who get sunburn are more likely to develop skin cancer later in life -- so cover them up! -- Family Travel Girl www.familytravelgirl.com

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