THD Encourages Residents to Apply Sun Protective Practice

Temperatures are warming up in Connecticut! It’s time to head outdoors and enjoy the sunshine, but before doing that, the Trumbull Health Department encourages all residents to apply sun protective practices into their daily routine to prevent Skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, accounting for nearly half of all cancers. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 76,665 people in the United States were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin in 2014, including 45,402 men and 31,263 women. Of those, 9,324 people died from melanomas.

There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, commonly known as nonmelanoma skin cancer, are highly curable but can cause skin damage and disfigurement if they are left untreated. When detected and treated early, more than 95% of these carcinomas can be cured. Malignant melanoma is more serious and can result in death if untreated. Melanoma may suddenly appear without warning and can spread rapidly to other organs.

“Most skin cancers can be prevented,” said Rhonda Capuano, Trumbull Health Department Director of Health. “Building safe sun habits into your daily routine is easier than you think. Individuals should check themselves regularly for new growths or other changes on the skin. Any changes should be reported immediately to your doctor.”

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays appears to be the most important environmental factor in developing skin cancer. Apply sun protective practices consistently. Everyone is at risk of developing skin cancer, regardless of one’s skin complexion.

Simple and effective protection practices are:

• Dress appropriately, wear long sleeve shirt, pants, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Stay in the shade. Avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are the strongest.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or greater on all exposed skin, and apply at least 20 minutes before going outside.
• Use sunscreen that protects for UVA and UVB.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming, perspiring heavily, or drying skin with a towel.
• Avoid indoor tanning.

For more information on Skin cancer visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.

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The Trumbull Health Department is committed to improving the quality of life for all it serves through the promotion of health, prevention of disease, and by assuring a safe and clean environment for our residents. For more information about the Trumbull Health Department call 203-452-1030 or visit trumbull-ct.gov/THD.