Skin Cancer & Sun Damage: Are You Safe in the Sun?

Skin cancer attacks one out of every seven Americans each year, and one American dies from the disease every hour.  Exposure to the sun causes over ninety percent of skin cancers in the United States.

Any type of suntan constitutes sun damage caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.  Other types of sun damager include wrinkles, age spots, freckles, tough or leathery skin, dilated blood vessels and skin cancer.  The sun emits two kinds of UV radiation:  UVA, which causes aging, and UVB, which causes burning.  Both UVA and UVB rays are undetectable to a person sitting in the sun - one cannot feel them on the skin – and both may be just as damaging on cool, cloudy days as they are on clear sunny days.  In addition, both types of radiation cause skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the uncontrollable growth of abnormal growth of abnormal cells in a layer of the skin.  Over ninety percent of all skin cancers develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun, as sun damage builds up over the years and results in skin cancer.

The two most common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are easily treated if caught early, and are rarely fatal.  Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a red patch, a shiny bump, or an open sore that does not heal.  Squamous cell carcinoma usually arises as a scaly patch or a raised, wart-like growth.  The most dangerous form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, looks like a mole-like patch with an irregular shape.  Malignant melanoma is most often found on the legs of women, and on the trunks – especially the backs – of men. 

The easiest way to prevent skin damage and lessen chances of getting skin cancer is to avoid getting sunburn.  Following are a few tips to help keep sun exposure safe:

·         Stay out of the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

·         Wear clothes with tightly woven fabric and a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.

·         Wear sunglasses whenever outside to avoid developing cataracts and damaging the retina.

·         Use sunscreen with an SPF 15.  Apply continually everyday, especially to lips.  Sunscreen becomes less over time, so replace every year.

·         Avoid using tanning beds.  They are just as damaging as the sun.

·         Carefully protect children from sun damage.  Two-thirds of skin damage will occur before age fifteen.

 Avoiding excessive sun exposure and sunburn is the best way to protect yourself from sun damage and skin cancer.  Routinely inspect your skin for any changes.  If you suspect that a spot on your skin is new, or has changed color or appearance, consult a dermatologist.  Ninety percent of all skin cancers can be cured if detected and treated in time, but practicing preventive techniques is the best way to avoid it altogether.

Enjoy the summer safely!