BLACKSBURG -- Ahh, summer is finally back. Vacations. Relaxation. Fun. Skin Cancer -- Skin cancer!!??
If these words send a chill up your spine and make you want to run to the store for sunblock 45, they should. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over one million new cases of skin cancer were reported in 1996 and that number is increasing. And the most ironical thing about it is that most skin cancers can be prevented.
"Over-exposure to the sun is the main ingredient for the development of skin cancer," says Glen Hetzel, Extension specialist on farm safety at Virginia Tech. "It's a really scary thing. I've done workshops on sun protection and farmers have shown me places on their ears where the skin is missing and large scars where melanomas were removed."
Hetzel says one of the most crucial preventative measures is protecting small children from sunburns. A person who gets two or more severe sunburns as a child (blisters or excessive peeling) has a greater chance of getting skin cancer as an adult. "A child of two or three isn't going to know that they are sunburned," he says. "That's why parents and guardians need to protect children by having them wear shirts, sit under umbrellas, wear hats, and use a sunblock of at least 15 if they are going to be exposed to the sun."
Hetzel states that sunblock should be applied 15 or 20 minutes before a person goes out into the sun so the skin can absorb the lotion. If sunblock is applied right before or during sun exposure, there is a risk of exposing oneself to future skin problems, such as melanoma cancer.
Melanomas are the most dangerous of the skin cancers and usually begin as moles that grow or change color. They are usually higher than the skin surface and many times have irregular borders. If untreated, these moles can be fatal, Hetzel says.
According to the most recent statistics, a person's chance of developing melanoma has increased more than 1,800 percent since the 1930s. The American Academy of Dermatology has determined that the people most at risk for skin cancer, particularly melanoma, share these characteristics:
Fair complexion that burns or blisters easily
Blonde or red hair
Blue, green, or gray eyes
Excessive sun exposure during childhood and teen years and blistering sunburns before age 20
A family history of melanoma
More than 100 moles on the body; 50 if under age 20.
To determine whether or not you may be at risk, dermatologists suggest looking for the melanoma danger signs by checking any mole for what they call the "ABCDs":
Asymmetry: one half of the mole is different from the other Border Irregular: border of the mole is jagged, not smooth Color Varied: the mole has different shades to it, such as black, brown, red and blue Diameter Large: the mole is larger than 6mm (the diameter of a pencil eraser)
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggests self- examination on a regular basis to detect any new or changing skin conditions. If you have any doubts, consult a physician. The earlier skin cancer is detected, the better the chance it can be cured.
Lying in direct sunlight at a beach or a pool is not the only way one can be exposed to ultra violet rays, Hetzel says. Many people, such as farmers, outdoor workers, people who exercise, and drivers are out in the sun and are not even aware they are at risk.
"We tend to associate exposure to the sun with skin cancer and that is true. But the sun is also responsible for causing other problems, especially related to the eyes. The greater the exposure to sunlight for long periods of time, the greater the tendency to have cataracts in old age," he says. In fact, people who work outdoors are also more likely to get cataracts than people who work indoors.
Driving in convertibles or cars with sunroofs is also a potential danger. Not only are drivers subjected to direct ultraviolet rays, but they are also affected by light reflected off of car hoods and road surfaces, which, if not properly blocked, can lead to eye problems.
To protect eyes from the sun, Hetzel recommends wearing UV protectant glasses at all times. "Any kind of glasses, particularly safety glasses, will provide protection against UV light," he says.
Safety glasses not only protect against the sun's rays, but they also protect the eye itself from flying grass, stones, and other objects that can cause eye injuries. In addition, Hetzel recommends that when out in the sun for long periods of time, especially farmers and those who work outside, people should wear hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sunblock.
"I think the most important thing to remember when dealing with the sun is that too much of a good thing can be harmful. People need to start changing their habits and realizing the consequences of prolonged sun exposure," Hetzel says.