When summer finally arrives, it often means you'll probably be spending more
time outdoors. Before you head out to the beach or golf course, however, you'll
want to make sure that you're protected from the damaging effects of the sun.
What type of damage can sun exposure cause?
Sunlight consists of two harmful rays: UVA and UVB rays. Long-term UV exposure
can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. As a matter of fact, studies
have shown that just one or two severe sunburns during childhood increase the
risk of melanoma--the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Other possible side effects of sun exposure include:
- Skin aging (wrinkles, spots, loss of elasticity)
- Precancerous lesions
- Diseases of the eye (e.g., cataracts)
- Suppressed immune system
Who's at risk?
Everyone's skin is at risk for sun damage. And while light-skinned individuals
are more at risk, darker-skinned individuals can also be affected. Additional
risk factors include:
- Unprotected and/or excessive exposure to UV rays
- Family history of skin cancer
- Multiple or atypical moles
- Severe sunburns during childhood
- Prior diagnosis of skin cancer
What you can do to stay safe in the sun
Skin cancer and other sun-related damage are preventable. Yet according to the
American Cancer Society, an estimated 9,800 people will die from skin cancer
each year. Before you head outside, take the following steps to ensure that
you'll be safe in the sun:
- Wear protective clothing (e.g., long-sleeved shirts and long pants made
from tightly woven fabric)
- Apply sunscreen--make sure the sunscreen has an SPF (sun protection factor)
of at least 15 and is labeled "broad spectrum," meaning it protects
against both UVA and UVB radiation; you should apply the sunscreen 20 to 30
minutes before going outside, and don't forget to reapply every two hours
or after swimming or perspiring
- Pay special attention to kids--use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 40
on kids and try to keep babies who are six months old or younger out of the
sun entirely
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat
- Wear UV protective sunglasses
- Limit your sun exposure during midday hours--stay out of the sun between
10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their strongest; seek shade
whenever possible
- Keep abreast of your area's UV index, which ranges from 0 to 10+--a higher
number means greater exposure to UV radiation
- Limit the amount of time spent on or beside reflective surfaces (e.g., snow,
water)
- Don't forget to use sun protection when it's cloudy outside--you can still
get a sunburn on a cloudy day
Early detection is the key
If diagnosed and treated early, almost all types of skin cancer can be cured.
According to the American Cancer Society, you should perform monthly skin self-exams
and have a health-care professional or dermatologist perform a full-body skin
examination every three years if you're between the ages of 20 and 40, or annually
if you're age 40 or older.
Please note that this description/explanation is intended only
as a guideline.