Skin Cancer And Sun Sense

"This looks like skin cancer," the dermatologist told the woman as he examined the spot on her leg. Later, after removing the tumor and several other precancerous growths from her face and hands, he looked her in the eyes and said, "You've had enough sun." More and more people are hearing similar messages from their doctors.

Viewed as an epidemic by dermatologists, skin cancer is the most prevalent of all
cancers and it's increasingly common. About a million Americans will develop skin cancer this year. Over 60% of the population of the United States will develop pre-malignant
skin lesions knows as actinic keratosis.  Approximately 5% of these lesions will become malignant.  1 in 74 Americans will develop melanoma and 20% of those people will die. 

It is a fact that UV exposure suppresses the immune system of the skin.  It is a fact
that due to this sun exposure, we develop actinic keratosis.  It is further a fact that if the bodies action that caused the actinic keratosis to develop continues, the lesions
are likely to become malignant and deadly.

"Skin cancer is now about as common as all other cancers combined," says Martin A. Weinstock, M.D., Ph.D., director of Brown University's Dermatoepidemiology Unit and
Chief of Dermatology at the Providence (R.I.) Veterans Affairs Medical Center...and there's no evidence that the epidemic has peaked.

Experts agree that sunlight, particularly the ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths, damages the skin. UV radiation causes the obvious short-term damage seen in a sunburn or a tan, as well as the
long-term damage that accumulates with each exposure. Not only
is there no such thing as a safe tan, "There's no known safe amount of sun," Weinstock says.

As more consumers become sun smart, they're finding new ways
to protect themselves from skin cancer. For example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has cleared for marketing one manufacturer's clothing designed for sun protection. Preliminary studies indicate that even eating a healthier diet (less fat, more fruits, vegetables and grains) may help and of course, wearing sun block is a must.

A Word About Sunblocks

With labels stating "sunscreen" or "sunblock," these lotions, creams, ointments, gels, or wax sticks, when applied to the skin, absorb, reflect or scatter some or all of the sun's rays. Some sunscreen products, labeled "broad-spectrum," protect against two types of radiation: UVA and UVB. Scientists now believe that both UVA and UVB can damage the skin and lead to skin cancer.

The FDA requires labels of all sunscreen and sunblock products to state the product's
sun protection factor, or "SPF". The higher the number, the longer a person can stay
in the sun before burning. The FDA suggests 30 as the upper SPF limit because any factor above this offers level little additional benefit and might expose people to dangerous levels of chemicals.

Many dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum products with SPFs of at least 15. They also suggest applying the product liberally--about 30 milliliters (1 ounce) per application for the average-size person, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation--15 to 30 minutes every time before going outdoors. It should be applied evenly on all exposed skin, including lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and eyelids, although care should be taken not to get it in the eyes because it can irritate them. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water.

Sunscreens should not be used on babies younger than 6 months because their bodies may not be developed enough to handle some sunscreen chemicals. Instead, use hats, clothing and shading to protect small babies from the sun. If you think your baby may need a sunscreen, check with your pediatrician. For children 6 months to 2 years, use a sunscreen with at least an SPF of 4, although 15 or higher is best.

Sunlamps--Not a Bright Idea

Like the sun, sunlamps give off UV radiation--both UVA and UVB--and can be harmful. Exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps adds to the total amount of UV radiation your skin accumulates during your lifetime and increases the risk of skin cancer. Other risks include premature skin aging, skin and eye burns, allergic-type reactions, cataracts, reduced immunity and blood vessel damage.

The FDA has a radiation safety performance standard for sunlamp products. Such products must have a warning label, an accurate timer, an emergency stop control and include an exposure schedule and protective eyewear.

Tanning devices aren't recommended for anyone, and should never
be used if you sunburn easily and don't tan well. Skin that doesn't
tan in the sun probably won't tan with sunlamps either.  Also, if you get frequent cold sores, UV radiation may cause them to appear
more frequently.  Finally, if you're taking medicines that can make
you more sensitive to UV radiation, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you choose to ignore the risks and seek an indoor tan, follow all the safety precautions. Stick to your time limit and be sure to wear the goggles provided, making sure they fit snugly and aren't cracked.

Remember that there's no safe tan and there's no safe UV radiation. That's why tanning devices are best avoided altogether.