July 22, 2002

How The Sun Affects Your Life

Genesis Experts Offer Tips to Keep You Healthy This Summer 

Over one million Americans will be affected by skin cancer this year according to the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States today. In fact, the American Cancer Society has estimated that 9,600 people will die from skin cancer in 2002.

One blistering sunburn is all it takes to double a person's risk for developing this disease. Skin damage occurs from overexposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation. There are two forms of this ultraviolet radiation that cause debilitating and fatal skin damage, ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. These harmful rays are most often accumulated during outdoor activities, but are also present in tanning beds and some occupational light sources. Anyone who engages in regular outdoor activities should be aware that cancer causing damage could occur in less than an hour of exposure, even on cloudy days. The clouds do not block most of the sun's ultraviolet radiation.

Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer and should wear sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses. Some people, however, should take extra precaution when going outdoors. According to Robert F. Godwin, M.D., a Davenport dermatologist, a person's susceptibility depends on their skin tone and age. "Both are equally important," Godwin says. "Babies have a less well-developed protective barrier: they don't have as much melanin protection or as well developed thickening mechanism." So people with fair skin, hair and eyes are at greater risk for skin cancer along with children, who are still developing and have less control over their exposure. Irregular moles are often precursors to cancerous legions, so self-screening and regular check-ups by a dermatologist are recommended. If caught at an early stage, this form of cancer can be cured. 

The deadliest form of skin cancer affects the youngest members of the population. Malignant melanoma develops and claims the lives of people in their twenties. It does not take a lifetime of exposure to develop skin cancer. Most of a person's exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation occurs during childhood and adolescence, so protection from the sun should begin at an early age. 

Though skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it is also the most preventable. Protective sunscreen, clothing, sunglasses, and hats will, if used correctly and consistently, prevent the costs and suffering associated with this disease. Thorstein Skulason, M.D., and Robert Godwin, M.D., partners at Accredited Dermatology Assoc. in Davenport, recommend individuals take the following skin care protection measures:

• Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 no matter what skin tone you have.
• Use a sun block with both ultraviolet radiation A (UVA) and ultraviolet radiation B (UVB) protection.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and more often if you perspire or go swimming. 
• Wear wide brimmed hats that cover the back of the head, neck and ears; along with tightly woven, dark colored, natural cotton clothing that covers shoulders, arms and legs.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps

The American Cancer Society advises individuals to plan their sun strategy before they go out and suggests they wear a hat, protective clothing and plenty of sunscreen. They also recommend applying sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside to allow it time to absorb into their skin and reapply it often. It is best to avoid going outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and especially over the noon hour when the sun's rays are the most intense. Exposure to harmful rays does not just come from above. Flat hard surfaces, sand, water and snow reflect this light up toward our bodies. This is why using multiple measures of protection is optimal.

Should skin protection measures be used every day? The American Sun Protection Association estimates that consistent use of sunscreen could prevent 78% of the incidence of skin cancer. Godwin agrees that, "Regular sun protection is beneficial, especially for those with more risk factors." 

The American Cancer Society and the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list these risk factors:

• Fair skin, hair and eyes; skin that does not tan easily, but sunburns quickly
• A large number of moles on the skin, or any irregular moles
• A family history of skin cancer
• A personal history of skin cancer
• Chronic or extreme intermittent bouts of exposure to the sun including sunburns; (keep in mind when periodically vacationing to warmer climates)

It is not just a person's skin that is damaged from the sun's ultraviolet radiation. Outdoor enthusiasts and sunbathers should be aware of the sun's effect on their eyes. Peter Fries, M.D., an ophthalmologist at Eye Surgeons Associates in Davenport, says, "Because ultraviolet light plays a role in cataract development, a person should wear sunglasses to reduce their exposure to ultraviolet light, which will theoretically delay cataract development in adults." Protection needed for skin on cloud/hazy days also applies for eyes. Sunglasses are needed even when the sun is hidden behind clouds or haze. "Both ultraviolet A and B rays (UVA & UVB) should be protected against, so look for a label that states this on the sunglasses you choose." says Fries.

Many people do buy and wear sunglasses, but few know what to look for when purchasing them. Fries suggests individuals buy sunglasses labeled with polarization protection. "Polarizing lenses screen out reflected light, reducing glare and improving the quality of vision." 

"The benefits of wearing sunglasses are two-fold. They will reduce ultraviolet rays and will serve as a measure of physical protection for the eyes. People who are at risk for eye injury should have physical protection with lenses made out of polycarbonate, a very strong plastic." Fries' advice is perfect for activities such as mowing the lawn, where people are exposed to damaging ultraviolet rays and injury due to flying objects. Children should also wear sunglasses. "We're recognizing the cumulative effect of the sun," Fries explains. "We're finding out that the damaging effects can present themselves years later."

If you have any concerns or questions regarding sunburns or UV protection, call Genesis On Call at 563-421-2000 or 1-800-383-2575.