Can Exercise Contribute to Skin Cancer and Melanoma? ⋆ Sundicators

Exercise, Skin Cancer and Melanoma

Even with America’s alarming obesity epidemic, exercise is as popular -if not more popular- as it ever was. It seems that almost every town, no matter how small, has at least one gym or fitness club. This got us thinking about connections between exercise and Melanoma, and we thought it might make an interesting blog post for you to read.

The Good

Exercise in general is good for all of us. (Yeah, I know- “Stop the presses!”) But physical activity in and of itself not only doesn’t cause Melanoma, it provides several benefits to those who have been diagnosed, are being treated or have been treated.

It can invigorate and revitalize patients, as well as take the edge off the despair that nearly every Melanoma sufferer feels at some point. It is also possible that exercise may be a factor in staving off the return of some cancers that are in remission.

Of course, we highly recommend that anyone who is either dealing, or who has dealt, with Melanoma treatments check with their doctors or dermatologists about any restrictions that may apply to them personally.

The Not So Good

The vast majority of Melanoma cases are caused by exposure to the sun’s (or a tanning bed’s) harmful UV rays. Pair that with the countless sports and activities that take place outdoors, where the sun hangs out, and we bet you can already guess where we’re going with this.

Our cited Molemap.co.nz source article below points out that cyclists and long-distance runners have the highest risk, for just the reason that you’d think. However, outdoor athletics of any kind increase our risks of developing Melanoma.

Also, there is this direct quote from the same article that is worth reading: “Sweat makes the skin more sensitive to the UV radiation and this works to increase the risk.”

If outdoor recreation is your thing, please be sure to protect yourself as much as possible. Wear as much clothing as your activity allows. If you can, avoid the sun’s peak hours of 10a.m.-4p.m. Wear hats and sunglasses.

And, most important of all: sunscreen, sunscreen, and more sunscreen and your Sundicators to remind you when it’s TIME to reapply sunscreen.

*Source articles: Molemap.co.nz, Melanomainternational.org

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About Kerry

Kerry Spindler is a Melanoma survivor and celebrity fashion and beauty expert. She uses her experience in the fashion and beauty world to bring greater awareness to skin cancer and Melanoma.