Skin Cancer

Lawmakers in Tallahassee were poised this week to make it easier and cheaper for hundreds of thousands of Florida residents to undergo potentially life-saving skin cancer screenings by ensuring that all costs are covered by health insurance companies. Florida would be the second U.S. state – and the first in the South – to offer such subsidized screenings.

The first lady's experience could inject new purpose into what has become part of her life's work highlighting research into curing cancer and urging people to get regular screenings.

Historically neglected by sunscreen manufacturers and a medical community lagging in diversity and cultural competency, many people with dark skin tones have not been informed about sun safety or how to monitor their skin for damage or cancer.

Drinking alcohol is linked to an increased risk of skin cancer. Part of the risk may be explained by the direct effect that alcohol has on antioxidant levels in the skin, which can hasten a sunburn.

Ultraviolet light can burn your skin and raise the risk for skin cancer. New research has helped uncover how the rays can weaken skin's outer layer, compromising its ability to protect the body.