 |
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
|
|
|
NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
|
| Although researchers are investigating multiple new strategies to prevent and treat melanoma and other skin cancers, the most effective strategy is to avoid unnecessary exposure to the sun and eliminate recreational tanning altogether.
There is no such thing as a good tan; a tan means there is damage. |
 |
 |
Too much sunlight can lead to basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma - but it may lead to melanoma - the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma accounts for only 5 percent of all skin cancer but 75 percent of all deaths. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form and is rarely deadly. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in roughly 16 percent of all cases. While it can often be treated successfully, it, too, can occasionally spread and be fatal. Over the last century, there has been a steady increase in the number of non-melanoma skin cancers, with over 1 million cases reported last year in the United States. |
Most people are under the mistaken notion that if they go outside in the sun that a plain, white T-shirt will protect them. It won't. A plain white T-shirt is equal to approximately an SPF (sun protection factor) of 2. A wet white T-shirt offers an SPF of 0!
The best thing for people to do is avoid the sun as much as possible, or, if they have to be outside, wear plenty of sunscreen with a high SPF value. Importantly, you must reapply the sunscreen. Even sunscreens that are labeled waterproof will wear off over time. Children are especially vulnerable to skin damage, so it is critical that they be adequately protected. Sun protection isn't just for the summer months either. Outdoor activities in the winter such as skiing or sledding also expose unprotected facial skin to dangerous UV rays. This means that sunscreen use is something that should be done year round.
Skin cancer is one type of malignancy that, for the most part, we know how to prevent. It's only a matter of following through. In addition to avoiding too much sun, beginning a lifelong habit of self-examination is critical for protection from skin cancer. Follow the American Cancer Society guidelines for self-examination, referred to as the "ABCD" rules, regarding any changes in moles or growths:
| Find out more: Sun-Safe Strategies to Prevent Skin Cancer - OSU Media Relations office Requires Windows Media Player |
This article is based on information provided by The Ohio State University Medical Center Media Relations Office, and was adapted for use on NetWellness with permission, 2009.
Last Reviewed: Nov 16, 2009
|
Tatiana M. Oberyszyn, PhD Associate Professor Department of Pathology Comprehensive Cancer Center James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute The Ohio State University |
|
|
|
Please note: only your personal physician or other health professional you consult can best advise you on matters of your health based on your medical history, your family medical history, your medication history, and how information from any of these databases may apply to you. Neither University of Cincinnati (NetWellness) nor any party involved in creating, producing or delivering this web site shall be liable for any damages arising out of access to or use of this web site, or any errors or omissions in the content thereof. (More) 
|