Purchasing a life insurance policy may be the last thing on your mind when you are young and healthy. Some dangerous diseases, on the other hand, can develop with little warning, resulting in serious health problems and even higher insurance premiums in the future.
Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer, is an example. Every year, more than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed in the United States. This figure has risen dramatically in recent decades.
Skin cancer is frequently caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun or from man-made sources such as indoor tanning beds.
According to a recent study published in the Archives of Dermatology, the number of Medicare recipients treated for skin cancer increased by 77% between 1992 and 2006. During that time, the population increased from approximately 1.15 million to 2.04 million.
Skin cancer is more common in older people, but those who regularly use tanning beds or spend a lot of time outside without sunscreen are also at a higher risk.
According to SkinCancer.org, the annual cost of treating melanoma is approximately $249 million, and the annual cost of treating non-melanoma is approximately $1.4 million.
With these considerations in mind and the summer season approaching, the American Cancer Society offers the following potentially life-saving advice:
- Wear clothing to keep your skin protected.
- Wear a hat with a brim of 2 to 3 inches.
- When going out in the sun, apply sunscreen and lip balm.
- When going outside, wear at least SPF 30.
- Stay away from indoor tanning beds.
- Put on sunglasses and look for shade.
- Avoid sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Early detection of skin cancer improves one’s health and lowers one’s life insurance premium.