THE DARK SIDE OF THE SUN
Ultraviolet radiation now listed as a known carcinogen
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the United States, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed annually. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that the sun causes 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanomas.
Both the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have identified ultraviolet (UV) radiation as a proven human carcinogen.
Although Northland are short, we still need to protect
ourselves from exposure to the sun’s damaging |
 |
ultraviolet light. Lloyd Ketchum, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at the SMDC Cancer Center, deals with many types of cancer and has some advice about what you can do to prevent skin cancer.
|
Lloyd Ketchum, MD
Hematologist and
medical oncologist
SMDC Cancer Center |
Q. We know we are supposed to wear sunscreen. What should we look for and what level of protection is best?
A. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen. Broad-spectrum means it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Also look for sunscreens that have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Reapply every two hours — more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Q. What else should we do to protect ourselves from the sun?
A. Besides sunscreen, you should:
- Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin.
- Wear a wide-brim hat.
- Wear sunglasses.
- Seek shade during midday — between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — when UV rays can do the most damage.
It is particularly important to avoid sun exposure in youth. One blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. A person's risk for melanoma also doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any age, so adults need to pay attention as well.
Q. What about tanning beds, are they safer than sunbathing?
A. No. Tanning beds are a particularly bad idea. People who use tanning beds are exposed to very high levels of UVA rays. A study from Dartmouth Medical School found that tanning bed users had 2.5 times the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times the risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.
Q. There has been some talk in the news about our need to get
Vitamin D from the sun. I’ve heard that overprotecting yourself from the sun can block the Vitamin D you need. What do you think?
A. Vitamin D is important for bone health and to our immune system and many of us don’t get enough. However, relying on the sun to get your vitamin D is not advised. You will be better served taking a daily vitamin D supplement. Here in the north, we underestimate how much vitamin D we need. People should take a supplement with 1,000 international units (IU) a day.
Q. What are the most common types of skin cancers?
A. There are basically three types of skin cancer. The two most common types are basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. Most squamous cell carcinomas can be treated with surgery. Basal cell carcinoma is less aggressive and can be treated by removing the effected area. However, because basal cell carcinoma is usually found on the face, this can be very disfiguring. Melanoma, the third most common skin cancer, is the most serious form of skin cancer. If it is recognized and treated early, it can be curable. But if not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it can be fatal.
Q. What are some signs of skin cancer?
A. Because each of the three types of skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma) has many different appearances, it is important to know the early warning signs. Look especially for a change of any kind. Do not ignore a suspicious spot simply because it does not hurt. Skin cancers may be painless, but dangerous all the same. If you notice one or more of the warning signs, see a doctor right away, preferably one who specializes in diseases of the skin. I suggest going to the Skin Cancer Foundation Website where you will find warning signs as well as additional details and photographs.
Common warning signs include:
- A skin growth that increases in size and appears pearly, translucent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored
- A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, erode, or bleed
- An open sore that does not heal within three weeks
- A mole, birthmark, beauty mark, or any brown spot that: changes color; increases in size or thickness; changes in texture; has an irregular outline; is bigger than 1/4 inch 9the size of a pencil eraser); or appears after age 21
Q. How often should I get screened for skin cancer?
A. A cancer-related checkup including skin examination is recommended every 3 years for men and women ages 20-40, and every year for everyone age 40 and older.
Q. Who is most likely to develop skin cancer?
A. We worry about skin cancer in fair-skinned people, but people with darker skin are also at significant risk. There is a common misconception that people with darker complexions don’t need to worry. Everyone can sunburn and damage their skin.
Q. Does family history play a role in developing skin cancer?
A. There is some association between family history and melanoma. If there is a history of melanoma in your family, you should be screened more often.
Q. What are the treatments once someone has skin cancer?
A. It depends on how advanced it is. The vast majority of skin cancer can be treated with removal or destruction/freezing if detected early.