UV Safety Awareness - Part II

Last week, we talked about UV radiation and how it damages our skin. Today, we will talk more about the cancers associated with UV radiation exposure as well as how to protect your skin from the sun.

What skin cancers are associated with UV radiation exposure?

Melanoma:

• Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer.
• It is now one of the most common cancers among adolescents and young adults ages 15-29.
• Although melanoma only accounts for about 3% of skin cancer cases, it causes more than 75% of skin cancer deaths.
• UV exposure and sunburn, especially during childhood, are risk factors for melanoma.
• Other possible risk factors for melanoma include some genetic factors and some immune systems disorders.

Basal Cell Carcinoma:

• Basal cell carcinomas are the most common type of skin cancer tumors.
• They usually appear as small, fleshy bumps on the head and neck, but can occur on other areas of the skin that have been exposed to the sun's radiation.
• This skin cancer grows slowly.
• If recognized early, these tumors can be completely removed.
• It does not spread through the blood stream to other parts of the body, as melanoma does.
• It can cause considerable damage in the area directly adjacent to the tumor. It can grow directly into the bone and even through the skull into the brain as the tumor grows larger.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

• Squamous cells are present in many places in your body, and squamous cell carcinoma can occur anywhere squamous cells are found. These facts about squamous cell carcinoma of the skin refer only to cancer that forms in the squamous cells found in the skin.
• These tumors develop in the middle and outer layers of the skin, including the lips.
• They may appear as nodules, or as red, scaly patches, or sometimes as ulcers or sores that don't heal, but can develop into large masses.
• This cancer is usually not life-threatening but can be aggressive.
• If not recognized early, it can spread to other parts of the body.

How can you prevent skin damage from UV radiation?

It isn't possible to completely prevent skin cancer or undo previous effects of UV radiation and sun damage, but you can take the following steps to reduce your risk:

• Apply sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or greater, 20-30 minutes before sun exposure and then every 2-3 hours after. Don't forget to put sunscreen on your ears and in the part of your hair.
• Reapply sunscreen sooner if you get wet or sweat significantly.
• Wear sunglasses with total UV protection.
• Wear a hat that has a brim.
• Do not use tanning beds. Do not let your children or teenagers use tanning beds.
• Select cosmetic products that offer UV protection, such as moisturizers or lip balms.
• Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible during peak UVB radiation hours, between 10 am and 4 pm.
• Perform skin self-exams regularly to become familiar with existing skin growths and to notice any changes in your skin or new growths.
• If you notice any change to your skin that concerns you, see your family doctor or a dermatologist to have it evaluated.
• Nearly 80% of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18. Protect young children from UV radiation. Be a good role model and teach your family habits to protect skin from UV radiation.

If you have any questions about UV safety, please log into your account and send us your question. We are here to help.

Dr. Anita Bennett MD - Health Tip Content Editor