As the weather begins to warm up, many of us are likely finding ourselves spending more time outdoors. Although the sunshine can have a positive effect on our bodies and minds, it can also be very harmful if we are not careful. Here are some helpful tips to make staying safe in summer months ahead easy, so the only thing you have to worry about is deciding if you are having hamburgers or hotdogs on the grill!
- Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the US, but it is also one of the most preventable!
- Most skin cancers are caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The vast majority of skin cancers are a result of damage to the DNA from exposure to UV radiation. There are three types of skin cancer. The two more common types are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The third and more severe type is melanoma.
- Everyone is at risk for developing skin cancer and should always take preventative measures when exposed to UV rays. However, there are many factors that come into play when determining what level of risk an individual has. People with light skin are more likely to experience skin damage/sunburn from UV rays, thus increasing their risk of skin cancer. While on the other hand, people that tan easily has increased levels of melanin (the brown pigment that gives skin its tan color) which naturally provides some – but not complete – protection from harmful UV rays making their risk a little lower (but still there). Other characteristics that increase your risk include blue or green eyes, blond or red hair, and/or a large number of moles. Additionally, you should take extra care when in the sun if you have a personal/family history of skin cancer or have an autoimmune disorder or condition that causes a weakened immune system (i.e. HIV, organ transplant due to immunosuppressive drugs).
- Some medications can make you more sensitive to the sun and increase your likelihood of developing skin damage or sunburn when exposed to UV rays. These medications include but are not limited to: antibiotics (specifically tetracyclines and fluoroquinolones), cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins), diuretics (thiazides), NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), oral contraceptives and estrogens, retinoids, and sulfonylureas. It is important to use extra care to protect your skin while taking these medications.
- There are ways to reduce your risk. Always wear sunscreen and/or physical sun protection (i.e. hats, long pants, and sleeves, etc.) when you will be outside, even when it’s cloudy. Try to limit the amount of time you spend outside between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Sunscreen is only effective if you use it correctly. The FDA recommends generously applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 every two hours while exposed to the sun and more often if swimming or sweating because no sunscreen is “waterproof”. It should be applied about 15 minutes before going in the sun to allow enough time for it to absorb to ensure you get the maximum benefit. Apply it to all uncovered skin, especially the more sensitive areas, such as the face, lips, ears, hands, and feet.
- Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen. It is important to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen because it provides protection against UVA rays (skin aging and wrinkles) and UVB rays (sunburns), both of which have been linked to skin cancer.
- Check the UV index in your area before spending time outdoors. UV index tells you how strong the UV rays are on any given day on a scale from 1 to 11+. The higher the UV index, the greater the risk of exposure to UV rays, thus the greater risk of sustaining skin damage/sunburn. You can check your area’s UV index on the EPA’s website: https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/uv-index-1
- You can screen for skin cancer at home. The most common sign of skin cancer is a change in your skin. Skin cancers can present many different ways, so it is important to look out for new growths, sores that won’t heal, and changes in moles. BCCs may appear as flat, firm yellowish areas similar to a scar or itchy raised red-colored patches. They are often fragile and may easily bleed. SCCs may appear like rough, scaly red patches that might bleed, raised growths or lumps with a lower area in the middle or wart-like growths. Both of these types may present as an open sore that won’t seem to heal.
- For melanoma, you can remember the warning signs by remembering the “A-B-C-D-Es” of melanoma:
- “A”– Asymmetric shape
- “B” – Border irregularity/poorly defined borders
- “C” – Color/color variation within the same mole or change in color
- “D” – Diameter >6mm
- “E” – Evolving or changing in size, shape, or color
- If you notice any new spots, especially ones that sound like ones described above, make an appointment to have it checked out by your doctor!
American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/
National Foundation for Cancer Research. https://www.nfcr.org/
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov