Skin cancer is epidemic in America! One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over a million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States each year, and there will be over 121,000 new cases of melanoma in 2010. While basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin are seldom lethal, melanoma kills one American every hour, 24/7, 365 days a year!
Fortunately, most skin cancers are readily cured. Last century melanoma was called "the black death" because 50% died of the disease. In 2010, the cure rate is 92% and climbing. But give your dermatologist a chance to help you. Do a monthly mole check all over your skin surface, get in for a free skin cancer screening if offered locally, or see your dermatologist once a year. A black, changing, itching or bleeding mole requires prompt attention! A pre cancer or a tiny skin cancer is much easier to cure than a big one, and your surgery site will be smaller and prettier the sooner you get in. Check out the American Academy of Dermatology web site for further info. about skin cancer.
On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson told us it was OK for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If you are an avid runner, biker, kayaker, swimmer, surfer, mountain climber or hiker, how can you have your cake and eat it too. How can you spend all those hours outdoors without wrinkling, freckling, burning and suffering skin cancer?
Fortunately, most skin cancers are readily cured. Last century melanoma was called "the black death" because 50% died of the disease. In 2010, the cure rate is 92% and climbing. But give your dermatologist a chance to help you. Do a monthly mole check all over your skin surface, get in for a free skin cancer screening if offered locally, or see your dermatologist once a year. A black, changing, itching or bleeding mole requires prompt attention! A pre cancer or a tiny skin cancer is much easier to cure than a big one, and your surgery site will be smaller and prettier the sooner you get in. Check out the American Academy of Dermatology web site for further info. about skin cancer.
On the other hand, Thomas Jefferson told us it was OK for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. If you are an avid runner, biker, kayaker, swimmer, surfer, mountain climber or hiker, how can you have your cake and eat it too. How can you spend all those hours outdoors without wrinkling, freckling, burning and suffering skin cancer?
Common sense sure will help. Exercise before 10 A.M. or after 4 P.M. Wear a hat with a brim. Use a modern broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Water resistant or very water resistant ones are the best. Helioplex, parsol 1789 (avobenzone) and Mexoryl are very good at blocking both UVB and UVA. Re-apply every hour, especially if you are swimming or sweating. Teach your kids and grand kids proper protection when outdoors. Wear a modern, high-tech fabric that keeps out UV rays. An ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 30 to 50 incorporated into your hat or shirt is excellent, and it will keep you from burning. Also, remember to get a good pair of sunglasses--the sun zaps not only our skin, but also our eyes.
And just stay out of the tanning salon. (Why would you pay to go to an aging machine?) The World Health Organization recently found that tanning beds actually cause melanoma!
A theoretical risk of too much sun protection is vitamin D deficiency. To prevent it, take a supplement of 400 to 1000 international units daily. Eat fatty fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel, drink milk and dairy, eat eggs, and choose cereal fortified with D. (My wife is a heart nurse, and she makes me eat fish and salmon several times a week. ( It is a good habit for a healthy heart.) I must admit, actual vitamin D deficiency is rare to uncommon in the U. S., compared to epidemic skin cancer.
As a dermatologist, I want you to do any outdoor activity you want to do. (Running naked at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena on New Year's Day?--well, no, but almost any activity.) By following the above tips, you will have safe, fun in the sun.
Best regards,
Dr. Douglas N. Naversen
Medford, Oregon