In the world of glamour and glitz, where celebrities often seem invincible, reality TV star Khloe Kardashian recently shared a deeply personal experience that brought attention to a critical health issue: skin cancer. With her platform of millions of followers, Khloe's openness about her battle with skin cancer serves as a wake-up call for us all to prioritize sun safety.
The Revelation
In a candid social media post on September 19th 2023, Khloe Kardashian revealed her journey with skin cancer, urging her followers to take precautions against the sun's harmful rays. She shared her shock upon receiving the diagnosis and emphasized the importance of regular skin checks and protection from sun exposure.
The Reality of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide, with cases on the rise, particularly among younger demographics. Despite its prevalence, there remains a misconception that only older individuals or those with fair skin are at risk. Khloe's story dispels this myth, highlighting that skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age or skin tone. Figures gathered by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed that in 2018, there were 17,852 cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in the United Kingdom. This translated to 2,764 deaths from melanoma skin cancer. WHO predicts that by 2025, the number of cases of melanoma skin cancer will rise by 9% to 19,513 with deaths increasing by 13% to 3,119.
By 2040, nearly 22,886 people will be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer, a 28% increase on 2018 figures, while 3,968 will die from the disease 44% increase. Globally, incidence of melanoma skin cancer were found to have reached epidemic proportions.
As well as summarising findings from third-party research, the report includes commentary from leading dermatologists. Despite a widespread understanding of the link between UV exposure and melanoma, third party research shows that knowledge is not translating into action.
- 92% of people recognised that sun exposure can cause health problems, but only 18% always protect their skin from the sun.1
- 61% of people believe having tanned skin is attractive and 49% cannot imagine coming back from holiday without a tan.1
- More people develop skin cancer from indoor tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking.2
- Only 11% of people have their moles checked by a dermatologist and only 33% have checked their own skin annually,1 despite dermatologists recommending that skin examinations should be carried out every four weeks.
The Importance of Sun Protection & Why Khloe trusts PCA Skin and you should too!
Khloe's experience underscores the critical need for sun protection measures. Simple steps like wearing sunscreen daily, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing can significantly reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. Additionally, regular skin checks by a dermatologist can help detect any abnormalities early, increasing the chances of successful treatment. Khloe’s preferred facial SPF of choice is the Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45 (pcaskin.co.uk)
The entire line of PCA SKIN® broad spectrum SPF products has been awarded The Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation for Daily Use or Active Use. When used regularly, these SPF products help to reduce the potential risk of skin cancer and premature skin aging caused by over-exposure to UV rays.
To receive The Seal of Recommendation, our products were put through rigorous testing and met stringent criteria for safety and efficacy:
- Photobiology (SPF determination) – this test confirms that the product not only meets, but also exceeds the SPF number listed on the package.
- Phototoxicity – this test determines whether the product will cause any type of acute light-induced skin response. This ensures that the product is not sensitizing, even in extreme UV conditions.
- RIPT (Repeat Insult Patch Test aka Contact Irritancy Testing) – this test places our product under occlusion on test participants’ skin for six weeks to prove that there is no chance of the product being an irritant. With the passing of this test, we know that our products are not irritating or sensitizing, even on sensitive skin types.
Shop and discover your preferred SPF here: Protect Collection | PCA Skin
Empowering Others
By sharing her journey, Khloe Kardashian empowers others to prioritize their health and well-being. Her transparency encourages open conversations about skin cancer prevention and prompts individuals to take proactive steps in safeguarding their skin. Her bravery in sharing her skin cancer battle serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of sun safety. In a world where image often takes precedence, her vulnerability sheds light on a crucial health issue that affects us all. Let us heed her advice, protect our skin, and prioritize our health above all else. Together, we can raise awareness, prevent future cases of skin cancer, and support those navigating their own journeys towards skin health and wellness.
1 Skin cancer prevention study by La Roche-Posay and Ipsos
2 Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics: Skin Cancer Foundation