Rachel Blease is well aware of the dangers of the sun.
The young mother recently had to undergo topical chemotherapy after developing cancer on her forehead — and she attributes the health scare to her teenage years spent in the sun.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: A new TikTok trend putting teens in danger.
Now Blease, who became a TikTok star, has noticed a new trend on social media, where young women are showing off their “burn lines,” or tan lines caused by sunburn.
The hashtag #sunburnttanlines has racked up over 200 million views, attesting to the popularity of this trend.
Social media users are also using apps to check the day’s UV index, ensuring it is at its maximum before going out into the sun, according to an ABC report this weekend.
“Unfortunately, I wasn’t surprised,” Blease said during his appearance on Sunrise on Monday.
“Social media often promotes unhealthy beauty standards, especially for young people, which is why I wanted to share my experience to raise awareness. »
Blease also shared her journey with skin cancer.
“I finished topical chemotherapy and now I have to wait six months to see if it worked. I might also have to have surgery, which would leave a significant scar on my forehead,” she said.
She reflected on her time spent in the sun during her teenage years.
“I was lying in the sun and I probably became aware of sun safety in my twenties, but that’s clearly not enough, the damage was done. Our skin has an excellent memory. »
“Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers in Australia, and every sunburn increases the risk of developing one. »
Cancer Council Victoria prevention manager Craig Sinclair told the Herald Sun last month there is never a safe way to tan, urging beachgoers to check their app to check UV levels.
“The main health risk associated with tanning is skin cancer. We also have eye diseases caused by UV damage, but skin cancer remains by far the most predominant,” Sinclair said.
“Currently in Australia around 15,000 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year, and this is really just the tip of the iceberg. »
Blease expressed his satisfaction at sharing a positive message regarding sun safety.
“Since posting my video, I have received hundreds of messages from people telling me about their loved ones lost to melanoma. It is therefore essential to protect your skin. No trend is worth your health. »
The discussion about beauty standards conveyed by social networks deserves our attention. How can we, as a society, reinforce more positive and balanced health messages, while combating the sometimes harmful influences that shape our perceptions of beauty and well-being? It is essential to continue this reflection to protect future generations.
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