The Facts about Skin Cancer and Sunscreen
After the cold snowy winter we had this year, most people are looking forward to a warm and sunny spring and summer. However, if you are planning to spend time outdoors, it is important to protect your skin. While it can feel good to soak up the sun’s rays, too much unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause a painful sunburn or even lead to skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most cases are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps.
“The skin is the body’s largest organ,” explained Hazem F. Elkassas, MD, a board-certified physician who specializes in internal medicine and medical oncology at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology. “While the skin has several layers, the two main layers are the epidermis and the dermis. Skin cancer begins in the epidermis that is made up of three kinds of cells – squamous, basal and melanocytes.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), basal and squamous cell are the two most common forms of skin cancer. Both types can usually be cured; however the treatment is expensive and can leave scars. Melanoma, which begins in the melanocytes, is the third most common type of skin cancer. Melanoma causes the most deaths because it can spread to other parts of the body such as the brain and liver.
How can you protect yourself?
It is relatively easy to protect yourself from the UV rays that can lead to skin cancer. First, avoid indoor tanning beds and sunlamps. When you are out in the sun, follow these protective measures:
- Wear sunscreen. (Learn more about the types below.)
- Cover your arms and legs with clothing such as long sleeves or pants.
- Wear a hat preferably with a wide brim to shade your face, head, ears and neck.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
- Avoid the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Plan activities for early morning, late afternoon and evening.
The Facts about Sunscreen
The use of sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to prevent skin cancer. Below are some important facts to remember about its use.
- Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum” are best because they protect against the ultraviolet rays – Ultraviolet A that cause premature aging and Ultraviolet B that cause sunburns.
- A sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) indicates the amount of protection it provides against ultraviolet rays. Sunscreens with a minimum SPF of 30 blocks 97% of the sun’s rays.
- No sunscreen is completely waterproof. A water resistant product is effective for up to 40 minutes in water and a very water resistant product is effective for up to 80 minutes in water.
- It is recommended to reapply sunscreen after getting out of the water or every two hours.
- It is recommended that a teaspoon of sunscreen be used to cover the face and neck and one ounce to cover all of the other exposed areas of the body.
- Sunscreen sprays are not always effective. Be sure to use an adequate amount and thoroughly rub it in to cover all areas of exposed skin.
- Check the expiration date on the label. The FDA requires all sunscreens to retain their original strength for at least three years.
While sunscreen is effective, it may not protect against all ultraviolet rays. If you notice any changes to your skin, you should consult a doctor.
Penn Highlands Healthcare offers a wide range of outpatient cancer treatment and services at locations throughout the region. Penn Highlands also provides cancer screenings, including mammograms, colon cancer screening, prostate cancer testing and lung cancer screening to help patients detect cancer at its earliest stages when it is most treatable. To make an appointment or to learn more, visit www.phhealthcare.org/cancercare.
