Be Informed

UNDERSTANDING UV RAYS:

There are three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun:

• UV-A – These rays maintain relatively constant intensity throughout the year. They contribute to premature aging of the skin, sunburn and even skin cancer.

• UV-B – More intense than UV-A rays, these are stronger in summer months, at higher altitudes, and closer to the equator. They can contribute to premature aging of the skin and can cause cataracts—a clouding of the eye. Exposure to UV-B rays over a lifetime can lead to skin cancer and even affect the immune system.

• UV-C – These rays are the strongest and most dangerous, but they are normally filtered by the ozone layer in the earth’s atmosphere.

UV exposure is greatest when the sun is highest in the sky between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. It is also greatest in the summer, at higher altitudes, and nearer the equator. Furthermore, up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog.

 Fresh snow reflects back about 85 percent of the sun’s rays; water reflects back about 5 percent of the sun’s rays; concrete reflects back 10 to 12 percent of the sun’s rays.

 Protecting your skin during the first 18 years of life can reduce the risk of some types of skin cancer by up to 78 percent. One severe sunburn during the first 15 years of life can double the risk of skin cancer.

 THE SUN AS THE CULPRIT:

 Studies have confirmed that sun exposure is responsible for the development of at least two-thirds of all melanomas. Furthermore, it is estimated that 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18, a significant portion of which occurs during peak sun hours and in the summer.

 According to a survey by the American Academy of Dermatology, parents reported applying a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher as their most frequent sun protection behavior (53 percent). Children using sunscreen spent an average of nearly 22 percent more time in the sun on a weekend than children who were not using sunscreen.

 Studies have shown that sunburn is often the result of incorrect use of sunscreen. Since people frequently apply only 20 to 50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen, they only receive 20 to 50 percent of the SPF

PROTECT YOURSELF:

The American Association of Dermatologists recommends that everyone follow these sun protection guidelines:

• Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest; 
• Seek shade whenever possible; 
• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher; 
• Wear sun-protective clothing and accessories, such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses; and 
• Follow the "Shadow Rule" -- if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's damaging rays are at their strongest and you are likely to burn.

In addition, physicians recommend that you conduct a monthly self skin exam to check for changes in moles, warts and other blemishes on the skin, especially parts which are exposed to the sun. Detection is still the most important tool for catching skin cancer early—and treating it effectively.

Information prepared by:
Richard Zmuda for cancerpage.com

  Melanoma Patients’ InformationPage.
Includes published results of melanoma clinical trials in chemotherapy, vaccines, and gene therapy. Also has a database of research abstracts and a bulletin board for questions and answers.
http://www.mpip.org

  The Melanoma Education Fund. Provides educational information about melanoma, emphasizing the importance of monthly self-examination of the skin to detect melanomas early when they are curable.
http://www.skincheck.com

The Melanoma Research Foundation. Foundation supports medical research for the treatment of melanoma and acts as a resource for melanoma patients, their families and friends. http://www.melanoma.org

  Melanoma.com. Contains information on melanoma and its treatment from the Schering Corporation.
http://www.melanoma.com

AfraidToAsk.com. Provides diagrams and descriptions for the nine steps involved in a monthly skin self exam.
http://www.afraidtoask.com
/skinCA/skinexam.html

American Academy of Dermatology. Provides information to help you locate a free skin cancer screening site near you.
http://www.aad.org/
skinscrn.html

The Skin Cancer Foundation. Provides up-to-date information about various types of skin cancer, populations effected, prevention and screening techniques.
http://www.skincancer.org

UV INDEX: The Climate Prediction Center of the National Weather Service publishes a UV Index.  CLICK HERE
TO VIEW THE MAP.

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