Simple Sunscreen Tips

May 28, 2006 Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans. There are three important kinds: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation estimates about 800,000 cases are diagnosed each year. The cancer forms in the cells at the bottom of the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It affects more than 200,000 Americans each year. This cancer forms in the cells at the upper layers of the epidermis. Melanoma is the third most common form of skin cancer. About 62,190 new cases will be diagnosed this year. Melanoma tends to occur at a younger age than other skin cancers. Half of all people diagnosed with the cancer are under 57. Although its less common than basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is much more deadly. The cancer can quickly invade underlying tissues and spread to other areas of the body. This year, about 7,910 Americans will die from melanoma. Reducing Risk of Skin Cancer One of the most important risk factors for skin cancer is excessive exposure to the sun. Sunlight travels to the earth in the form of three types of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UVA rays (measured in wavelengths of 400 to 320 nm, or nanometers) pass through the atmosphere and can damage the genes in the skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer. UVB rays (320 to 290 nm) are partially absorbed by the ozone layer. However, UVB light has a greater energy level than UVA and causes the most amount of damage to the skin. UVC (measured in wavelengths of 290 to 200 nm, or nanometers) is absorbed by gases in the ozone layer of the atmosphere and is believed to cause no harm. The best way to prevent skin damage from the suns UV rays is to avoid the sun. Since thats not always possible, health experts say everyone should use ample amounts of sunscreen. Sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb, reflect or scatter the suns rays. The products are available in a variety of forms, like lotions, creams and ointments. Budget brands are as effective as the more expensive ones. Some personal care products (like make up) also contain sunscreen. Sunscreens generally protect against UVB rays. A few sunscreens also protect against UVA rays. Sunscreens are rated by a numbering system, called SPF (sun protection factor), which reflect the products ability to deflect UV rays. An SPF of 15 filters about 92 percent of UVB rays. The SPF of 15 means a person will be able to stay in the sun 15 times longer than someone with no sunscreen protection. So, for example if a person would normally burn after ten minutes in the sun (without any sunscreen), a sunscreen of SPF 15 would protect the person for about 150 minutes. An SPF of 30, which blocks about 97 percent of UVB rays, allows someone to stay in the sun for 30 times longer. Higher SPFs are available. The high SPF products may be useful for people who are very sensitive to the sun. However, experts say they are very costly and offer only slightly more protection than products of SPF 15 and 30. The Skin Cancer Foundation has some important tips: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every day. The suns rays penetrate the atmosphere even on cloudy days. Be generous with the product. Apply about one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen over all sun exposed areas of the body about 30 minutes before going outdoors. Dont forget the top of the ears, the lips and nose, the feet and toes. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, after swimming or when sweating. Be careful at the beach. Even if youre sitting under shaded umbrella, the suns rays can reflect off the water or sand and still burn the skin. Sunlight is also reflected off snow. So skiers, snowboarders and other outdoor winter sports participants still need protection from the sun - even though its cold outside. There are several other steps that can be taken to lower exposure to the suns damaging rays. Stay out of the sun when the UV rays are the strongest - generally between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Cover exposed skin areas with clothing, like long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Wear a hat to protect the head and sunglasses to protect the eyes. Perform monthly skin self-exams to look for early signs of skin cancer. Lastly, avoid tanning beds, which expose the body to concentrated sources of UV radiation. AUDIENCE INQUIRY For information on UV dangers, skin protection or skin cancer: American Academy of Dermatology, http://www.aad.org American Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.org, or contact your local chapter Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, http://www.cdc.gov Skin Cancer Foundation, http://www.skincancer.org National Cancer Institute, http://www.cancer.gov BIBLIOGRAPHY "About Basal Cell Carcinoma," New York: Skin Cancer Foundation, downloaded from website (http://www.skincancer.org), April 26, 2006. "About Melanoma," New York: Skin Cancer Foundation, downloaded from website (http://www.skincancer.org), April 26, 2006. "About Squamous Cell," New York: Skin Cancer Foundation, downloaded from website (http://www.skincancer.org), April 26, 2006. "Benefits of Sunscreen," Schaumburg: American Academy of Dermatology, downloaded from website (http://www.aad.org), April 4, 2006. Dupuy, Alain, M.D., et al., "Randomized Controlled Trial Testing the Impact of High-Protection Sunscreens on Sun-Exposure Behavior," Archives of Dermatology, August 2005, Vol. 141, No. 8, pp. 950-956. "Facts About Sunscreens," Schaumburg: American Academy of Dermatology, downloaded from website (http://www.aad.org), April 4, 2006. Ferrini, Rebecca, M.D., et al., "Skin Protection from Ultraviolet Light Exposure," Washington, DC: American College of Preventive Medicine, downloaded from website (http://www.acpm.org), April 26, 2006. Gallagher, Richard, "Sunscreens in Melanoma and Skin Cancer Prevention," Canadian Medical Association Journal, August 2, 2005, Vol. 173, No. 3, p. 244. Maguire-Eisen, M., et al., "The ABCs of Sun Protection for Children," Dermatology Nursing, December 2005, Vol. 17, No. 6, pp. 419-422, 431-433. "Melanoma Skin Cancer," Atlanta: American Cancer Society, downloaded from website (http://www.cancer.org), March 24, 2006. "Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer," Atlanta: American Cancer Society, downloaded from website (http://www.cancer.org), March 24, 2006. "Play It Safe in the Sun," Atlanta: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, downloaded from website (http://www.cdc.gov), April 26, 2006. "Skin Cancer (PDQ®): Prevention," Bethesda: National Cancer Institute, downloaded from website (http://www.cancer.gov), April 26, 2006. "The Sun, UV, and You," Washington, DC: Environmental Protection Agency, downloaded from website (http://www.epa.gov), April 26, 2006. "Sunlight and Ultraviolet Exposure," Atlanta: American Cancer Society, downloaded from website (http://www.cancer.org), March 24, 2006. "Sunscreens/Sunblocks," Schaumburg: American Academy of Dermatology, downloaded from website (http://www.aad.org), April 4, 2006. "2006 Facts About Sunscreen," Schaumburg: American Academy of Dermatology, downloaded from website (http://www.aad.org), April 4, 2006. Thieden, Elisabeth, et al., "Sunscreen Use Related to UV Exposure, Age, Sex, and Occupation Based on Personal Dosimeter Readings and Sun-Exposure Behavior Diaries," Archives of Dermatology, August 2005, Vol. 141, No. .8, pp. 967-973. "Trying to Look SUNSational? Complexity Persists in Using SUNSCREENS," FDA Consumer, July-August 2000, downloaded from website (http://www.fda.gov), April 26, 2006.