Sun Safety
Six million people are treated for skin cancer in the United States each year. Skin cancer is caused by UV radiation exposure from sunlight or indoor tanning. Damage from this exposure accumulates over time and changes the DNA. Most people have suffered from sunburn at some point in their lives. In addition to being very uncomfortable, this sunburn puts you at increased risk for skin cancer. While fair skin, freckles, blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair, having many moles, and family history make people more susceptible to skin cancer everyone is at risk.
In some cases, skin cancer can be treated by applying topical treatment, freezing, or surgically removing the cancerous skin. These types of cancers include basal and squamous cell carcinoma. They can be noted as a raised bump, discolored area, scaly patch, or a sore that does not heal. They are most commonly found on areas frequently exposed to the sun such as the head, face, ears, or neck. Even if these cancers can be removed completely, survivors can have significant scarring.
A common misconception about skin cancer is that it can be easily cured with skin removal; however, melanoma can invade through all layers of the skin and into other tissues, the lymph system, and organs. It is the deadliest form of skin cancer taking the lives of 8,000 Americans each year. Melanoma is most effectively treated with early detection. Monitoring your skin routinely can help you identify changes that need to be evaluated by your provider or dermatologist. Melanoma can be noted as a change to a current mole or appear as a new discoloration which may be mistaken as a new mole. Additionally, a melanoma lesion may appear on skin not regularly exposed to UV radiation, such as the palms of hands, soles of feet, between toes, fingers or toenails, eyes, or inside the nose or mouth. Watch moles, freckles, or other spots on the skin for the following:
- Asymmetry- one half of the spot is unlike the other.
- Border- the borders are irregularly shaped or poorly defined.
- Color- color varies such as tan, brown, black, or sometimes white, red, or blue.
- Diameter- size is greater than the size of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving- a mole or skin spot that is changing in size, shape, or color.
Researchers now report there are more cases of skin cancer due to indoor tanning than there are lung cancer cases from smoking. Using a tanning bed before the age of 35 increases your risk of melanoma by 75%. Having a “base tan” will not prevent a sunburn. It can be equivalent to wearing SPF 3-4 which offers very little protection. In addition to increasing your risk of cancer, it changes and speeds the aging of your skin, causing wrinkles, spots, and leathery skin.
Stay safe when you’re out in the sun by following these steps:
- Generously apply sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection an SPF of 30 or greater. The best sunscreen is the one you will use.
- As a rule of thumb, it takes about an ounce (one shot glass) of sunscreen to cover your whole body and about a nickel-size to the face. If using a spray, make sure to apply until an even coverage appears on the skin. Reapply about every two hours.
- Consider making sunscreen a daily routine for exposed skin such as your face throughout the year.
- Don’t rely on sunscreen in moisturizer or make-up alone. It will not provide adequate protection.
- Replace sunscreen before expiration dates for maximum effectiveness.
- Wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, when possible. UPF clothing can offer additional protection.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. especially when the UV index is elevated. If your shadow is shorter than you, the index level is high, and you should seek shade.
- Water, snow, and sand can reflect sun rays and increase your risk.
- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet or supplement, if directed.
Beginning a sun safety routine with children is an important step in prevention. Applying sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to children helps them develop these healthy habits. Only 15.5% of US high school students regularly wear sunscreen. Student-athletes can be at greater risk due to the hours spent outdoors and sweating off the sunscreen. Educating your teen regarding the dangers of sun exposure, making sunscreen readily available, and modeling use are all ways to encourage teen sun safety. Empower your teen to offer sunscreen to their teammates and create a culture of acceptance.
Outdoor workers such as farmers and construction workers are also at increased risk due to long hours in the sun and heat. They should follow the precautions listed above. Hair stylists, massage therapists, and estheticians can have a huge impact on noting any changes to the skin. If you see something unusual, say something. You could be saving someone’s life.