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Sun Safety Week, June 1-7

Posted by North Shore Health Department on June 3, 2009

Cancer, Healthy Lifestyles, Prevention

Summer really will arrive some day and everyone will be spending more time outdoors and in the sun!  While this might be good for improving one's mood, it is not necessarily good for overall health.  Exposure to the sun is a significant risk factor for skin cancer and skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S.  More than one million Americans develop skin cancer every year and one person dies from the disease every hour.  One in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.

For some reason, people are not getting the message about skin cancer or taking steps to minimize their risk. The following numbers suggest that much more can be done in terms of sun protection.

• More than one-third of the U.S. population reported a sunburn in the previous year.
• Only 33% of adults reported usually applying sunscreen with only 7% using an SPF of 15 or higher.
• 18% reported usually wearing some type of fully sun-protective clothing.
• Only 33% usually sought shade.
• Only 9% of high school students report routinely using sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
• About 9% of teens aged 14-17 years used indoor tanning devices. 

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect oneself from the sun.  When used consistently, sun-protective practices can reduce a person's risk of devloping skin cancer.  It really is possible to still have fun outdoors and decrease your risk.  See how many of these sun safe practices you can add to your daily life.

• Consistently and generously use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.  Use even on cloudy days and re-apply frequently, especially when swimming or sweating.
• Wear protective clothing whenever possible.  This includes a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Seek shade when possible, especially betwen 10am - 4pm when the sun's rays are strongest.  If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Protect children from sun exposure.
• Remember that water, snow, sand, and concrete reflect the damaging rays of the sun and can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Avoid tanning beds -- they are not risk free.
• Give yourself a periodic self- exam to look for changes on your skin.  Early detection is important. 

So before you start your favorite outside activity, take a moment to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun.  It will be well worth it in the long term.

Visit these websites for more information about sun safety:     http://www.sunsafetyalliance.org          http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/    

http://www.cancer.org               http://www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet/index.html