SKIN CANCER & SUN PROTECTION

Sun Protection is a year-round commitment!

While it is obvious that we need to protect our skin during those sun-drenched days of summer in the San Juans, did you know you can get sunburned even on a cloudy day? In fact it may come as a shock to learn that Washington State ranks first nationally for women and fifth for men for malignant melanoma, according to statistics released by the EPA in May 2005.

While these statistics may seem counterintuitive, Ultraviolet (UV) rays actually penetrate through fog and cloud cover…in fact, as much as 70 - 80 percent of UV radiation can pass through thin clouds! On cloudy days your skin might feel cooler and because of this it is less likely you will notice you are getting burned. And if you are around the water, you need to be extra careful because water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays.

More than 90 percent of all skin cancers are caused by sun exposure, yet fewer than 33 percent of adults, adolescents, and children routinely use sun protection. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. affecting more than 1 million people each year. Malignant melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is rising faster than that of any other cancer and kills one American every hour on average. The good news is that skin cancer, even melanoma, is largely preventable and one of the most treatable forms of cancer when detected early.

To protect your skin through the fall and winter, adopt these healthy, sun-smart habits:

Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin. Use a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses where possible.

Limit the time you spend in the mid-day sun (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) since mid-day rays are always the strongest, no matter what time of year.

Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun which can increase your chance of sunburn.

Protect children from sun exposure by applying sunscreen.

Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Ultraviolet light from these sources also causes skin cancer and premature aging. If you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, consider using a sunless self-tanning product but continue to use sunscreen with it.

And don’t forget the lip balm! Lips and ears are the most overlooked when it comes to sun protection.

Sunscreen is most effective when applied 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. And remember to reapply every couple of hours.

If the cancer statistics aren’t convincing enough, remember that tanned (not just sunburned) skin greatly increases your risk not only of cancer, but also causes wrinkles, “age spots”, broken capillaries, and possible thinning of the skin, or leathery skin. The effect of photoaging (skin aging caused by the sun or tanning machines) is irreversible and can be seen as early as in one’s 20s.

To learn more, visit the National Cancer Institute’s web site, HYPERLINK www.cancer.gov or phone 1-800-4-CANCER.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends performing regular Self Examinations.

Here is what they recommend:

Examine your body front and back in a full-length mirror, then right and left sides with arms raised.

Bend elbows and look carefully at forearms, upper underarms, and palms.

Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes, and on the soles.

Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror. Part the hair for a closer look

Finally check your back and buttocks with a hand mirror.

For more information visit the American Academy of Dermatology’s website at http://www.aad.org
www.aad.org/public/News/DermInfo/SelfExam.htm