I love summer! After a long, cold, wet winter (especially in New York), I just want to soak up the sun. It’s so tempting to go outside, lay down in the park and soak up the nourishing rays. However, my sun bathing habits have been put away since my early twenties, since I want to avoid sun damage and skin cancer.
Unfortunately, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.-according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 3.5 million cases are diagnosed annually. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, continues to rise, at a rate faster than any of the seven most common cancers, and causes more than 75 percent of skin cancer deaths. If you’re thinking you’re too young, think again-melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25–29 years old, and the second most common for adolescents.
To protect yourself this summer, I’ve gathered a few reminders. Please review these carefully-prevention takes just a few minutes, but could save your life!
Avoid indoor tanning. The Skin Care Foundation says that frequent tanners may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to what they would receive from sun exposure, and that people who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.
Protect your children. Believe it or not, melanoma accounts for up to three percent of all pediatric cancers, and it’s rising every year. Keep an eye on your child’s skin, apply safe sunscreen like zinc oxide (unless the child is under 6 months old-then just keep him/her in the shade), and dress them in protective clothing, including a hat. You don’t have to be paranoid, but a few precautions can keep your children healthy.
Apply broad-spectrum, safe sunscreen. You probably already know to apply sunscreen, but you may need to be more careful as to which one. We’ve warned you of the dangers in chemical sunscreens in other posts. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are currently considered the safest types, at an SPF of at least 30. Apply liberally, and wait at least 20 minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours, and/or after swimming or sweating.
Wear sun-protective clothing. This is particularly important for cancer fighters, who are at increased risk of sun damage. Use a hat, long-sleeved shirt, and long pants made of lightweight material, or try some of the specially made sun-protective clothing mentioned in this post.
Check your body. Suspicious moles and other skin regularities can develop without your knowledge if you’re not regularly checking your body. Keep an eye out for anything that seems to be changing; that looks brown, black, or multicolored; that itches, hurts, or bleeds; or that is irregular in outline.
Get enough vitamin D. Recent research says it may prevent the development and spread of cancers. When you’re going through treatment, it’s best to get yours from supplements. After that, 15 minutes a day in the sun with unprotected skin is enough to get your daily fix.
Exercise. This one may not seem to fit, but exercise boosts the immune system, helping your body fight off any tendency toward cancer. Try to get in at least 30 minutes on most days of the week. If you’re going to exercise out in the sun, wear protective clothing and sunscreen!
Eat to protect. Colorful fruits and vegetables are full of antioxidants that naturally protect you from disease. They also help scavenge free radicals created by sun exposure. Try to get in at least 5 servings a day of fruits and veggies, drink green tea, and enjoy a small amount of dark chocolate.
Have you had an experience with skin cancer? Please share your story.
Photo courtesy Steve Pepple via Flickr.com.
