Skin Cancer Prevention

Serving Chattanooga, Tennessee

ay is skin cancer detection and prevention month. Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the United States. Unfortunately, most Americans forget that skin cancers have the potential to disfigure and kill.  Unlike many cancers however, with skin cancer, we can actively contribute to keeping ourselves cancer free.

The risk of developing skin cancer in the U.S. is 1 in 5.  It’s 1 in 3 if you are Caucasian.  Your lifetime risk of developing melanoma is 1 in 63, but this will increase to 1 in 50 for those born in 2010. It takes 5 sunburns to double your risk of skin cancer. One blistering sunburn in childhood doubles your melanoma risk.  If you use a tanning bed, you have a 75% chance of developing a melanoma.  63% of melanoma deaths can be prevented if everyone did a monthly self examination.

These are scary statistics, but some very simple steps can reduce your cancer risk.  Damaging ultraviolet (UV) are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.. Be sure to use a beach umbrella if you are out during these hours.  Wear a hat with a wide brim.  33% of skin cancers occur on the nose.  A hat can help improve these odds.  Consider UPF clothing.  These fabrics can provide a 50+ protection. Regular clothing can also be protective.  Look for fabrics with tight weaves and darker colors.  Remember that when clothing gets wet, it looses half its protection.  The right sunglasses can block 99% of UV rays. Wider lenses can also protect the skin around the eyes.  Chronic UV exposure also contributes significantly to the development of cataracts later in life. Most importantly, make sure to wear sunscreen.

The most important advance that has been made in the last generation is the development of effective chemical UV absorbing sunscreens.  Even on cloudy days, 70 to 80% of UV rays penetrate through, so the use of sunscreens should be part of our daily routine.  Age holds no protection from the sun. We get only about 25% of our solar exposure by the age of 18.  So, it’s never too late to start using sunscreens. Sunscreens come in almost countless varieties.  That being said, find a sunscreen with a high SPF.  The sun protection factor (SPF) is a rating system that measures the level of sunburn protection a sunscreen provides.

 

The higher the number, the more protection offered.  An SPF of 30 is typically recommended.  Higher SPF’s can become thick, uncomfortable, and less user friendly. Be mindful that sweat proof, water proof, or water resistant formulas stay on longer because they are oilier.  No formulas retain 100% of their effectiveness over time. Even these preparations should be reapplied regularly through the day. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural sun blocks, and are best for sensitive skin. They are also great in children.  Unlike chemical sun blocks, they reflect the UV rays so they can’t penetrate the skin. Their disadvantage lies in their visibility, and that they take longer to rub in than chemical sunscreens. Unlike most chemical sunscreen which absorb only UVB rays, Mesoryl SX filters UVA rays too.  Sunscreens with Mesoryl are lightweight and apply easily. Keep in mind that most sunscreen’s life span is about two years. Buy a fresh supply before heading to the beach.

Skin cancer is taking a devastating toll on Americans. Its incidence is steadily increasing each year. The saddest fact is that it is in large part, preventable.  Unprotected solar exposure remains the principle cause of skin cancer.  Steps as simple as frequent self examination and sunscreen application can significantly impact the incidence and consequences of skin cancer.