Skin Cancer Survivor Andy Cohen Turns 53
- Andy Cohen celebrated his 53rd birthday with friends like Sarah Jessica Parker; the Bravo host was diagnosed with melanoma in 2016.
- In 2021, approximately 106,110 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States; skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S.
- To protect yourself from skin cancer and lower your risk, wear SPF daily, limit your time in direct sunlight, and avoid tanning beds.
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Cohen was diagnosed with skin cancer after friend Kelly Ripa pointed out a black dot on his bottom lip while the two co-hosted Live with Kelly in November 2016. The dot turned out to be melanoma, and Cohen was able to have it quickly removed.
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Not even a pandemic can slow down Cohen, either. He’s hitting the airways with “lots to discuss,” he says in his latest tweet, on his Sirius radio show, “Radio Andy.”
🌞 good morning! 🌞 back on @RadioAndySXM in a couple hours – lots to discuss!
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) June 7, 2021
Higher Rates of Skin Cancer Among Gay Men
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the U.S. and melanoma accounts for about 1% of skin cancers. However, this type of skin cancer causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths.
106,110 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). For people who identify as gay or bisexual there may be higher rates of skin cancer experienced. In a study published by JAMA Dermatology in 2020, it was found that rates of skin cancer were higher among gay and bisexual men compared to heterosexual men. The researchers believe that tanning beds are to blame. "Sexual minority men have reported higher rates of both indoor tanning and skin cancer than heterosexual men," the study says.
Regardless of one’s sexual orientation, it’s important to protect your skin from the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S. skin cancer.
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How to Protect Your Skin & Lower Cancer Risk
Sun damage is the leading cause of skin cancer, particularly melanoma. According to Dr. Anna Pavlick, a medical oncologist at NYU Perlmutter Cancer Center, 90% of melanoma diagnoses are caused by extreme sun exposure and damage such as sunburns. Additionally, melanoma can develop from an existing mole or it can appear as a dark or pink growth on the skin, even in places that have never been exposed to the sun.
Related: Am I at High Risk for Melanoma?
After a year living in a pandemic, enjoying some time in the great outdoors feels critical now more than ever for good mental and physical health. Protect your skin with these simple steps:
- Avoid sun during peak hours around 10 a.m. to 2 p.m
- Cover your skin and eyes with either sunglasses or a hat
- Wear an SPF sunscreen of 30 or higher, especially on your face
- Get an annual skin check
- Avoid tanning beds
Top 5 Ways to Protect Your Skin From Skin Cancer
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