May is Melanoma/Skin
Cancer Prevention and Detection Month, and there are plenty of good reasons to focus on this topic. Skin cancer is the most common cancer. One or more
skin cancers are diagnosed in more than 2 million people each year. Skin-cancer cases exceed the number of breast, prostate, lung and
colon cancer cases combined. The cost of treating
non-melanoma skin cancers exceeds $1 billion per year. You can find more facts at
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-facts. They are sobering.
Although there are many factors that play a role in the development of skin cancer, the most important is
sun exposure. Innumerable studies have conclusively shown that exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is closely linked to skin cancer later in life. The effect of this radiation is cumulative, and the damage builds up over the years. Our bodies can repair some of the damage from radiation, but eventually the capacity of our natural defenses is overwhelmed, and skin cancer is the result.
UV light exposure occurs naturally when you're outdoors in the sun. UV light also can be reflected off water and sand, so being under cover at the beach is not protective. Artificial UV exposure occurs most commonly in tanning booths. Tanning booths are dangerous because many people see them as something other than what they are, a source of UV light exposure. There is no minimum "safe" exposure. If you tan, you increase your risk of skin cancer, period.
Everyone should avoid unnecessary sun exposure, but those with fair, freckled complexions, blue eyes and blond hair are particularly susceptible to
sun damage. Parents, start your children early in the habit of using sunblocks and wearing protective clothing. I always felt that I had failed my children if they had even a hint of sunburn after being outdoors.
Skin cancer prevention requires limiting your time in the sun. Try to do outdoor activities early or late in the day. Cover up with clothing and a hat as much as you can. There is one company, Sun Precautions, that produces a line of clothing that has been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration as a medical device for sun protection. All of the company's products provide at least a 30+ SPF (Sun Protection Factor), a level of protection that is not affected by moisture. Find out more by calling 1-800-882-7860 or go to http://www.sunprecautions.com.
Sunblocks are great, though not perfect, if properly used. The SPF should be at least 15+. The sunblock should be applied 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours regardless of what the label says — and more often if you are sweating or getting wet.
Consumer Reports magazine does a periodic evaluation of sunblocks and has found that most name brands live up to their claimed SPF. No sunblock will totally protect you if you are outdoors a lot, however. Don't forget good sunglasses, as UV light damage is linked to cataracts.
Knowing that you have a skin cancer can range from easy to quite challenging. Most common cancers appear as a small, hard nodule, a non-healing sore or a red, raised, crusty area. Melanomas are not all black
moles. Any mole bigger than half an inch in diameter, or one that is changing in color, growing, or bleeding, should be checked by a doctor. Moles with darker and lighter areas and those with irregular borders are suspicious. If in doubt, check with your doctor. When caught early, nearly all skin cancers, even melanoma, can be successfully treated.
By all means, enjoy the outdoors, but take common-sense precautions to protect you and your family.
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