Every hour of every day, one American dies from melanoma, and Connecticut actually has one of the highest incidence rates of melanoma in the country. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and does not discriminate by age, race or gender. The majority of melanomas are thought to be caused from too much exposure to UV (ultraviolet) light, either from the sun or from artificial sources, like tanning beds.
With sunny days in the forecast, it is important to highlight that despite the effort to raise awareness about the dangers of sun exposure, most adults and young adults are still not using sunscreen regularly. Dr. Jennifer Pennoyer, a leading Dermatologist and staff physician at Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford, is at the forefront of the latest advances in the field. Dr. Pennoyer says, “It may come as a surprise that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. with more new cases occurring each year than the combined incidence of breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer, and melanoma is the leading cause of death from skin cancer.”
However, according to the American Cancer Society, only about 32% of adults have used sunscreen regularly in the past 12 months, and that number drops to only 10% for high school students. The numbers are even lower for good sun protection habits like wearing a hat (less than 13%) or long sleeved shirt (less than 12%).
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That is why the American Academy of Dermatology has set aside May 5 as National Melanoma Monday, to raise awareness about skin cancer. And, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has designated the Friday before Memorial Day as “Don’t Fry Day”; to remind the public about sun safety and help reduce those rising rates of skin cancer.
Dr. Pennoyer says that, “sunscreen lotion needs to be used in conjunction with avoiding the prime solar hours of 10am ‐ 4pm, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection
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Factor (UPF). The UPF is a rating system that indicates how effectively fabrics shield skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays. The higher the UPF number, the greater degree of UV protection a garment offers. Many kids will wear a t-shirt for sun protection when they are in the pool, but it is important to note that the ability to block radiation decreases substantially when the shirt gets wet
“Always apply sunscreen lotion frequently and heavily to exposure areas and don’t forget tops of ears, feet and toes. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or higher for protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation”.
“Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen, which means they are not getting the full SPF that is on the product label. Consumer Reports did a 4-year study which found that only one-third of the ‘chemical sunscreens’ tested don’t actually match the SPF on bottle. For ‘physical sunscreens’, only about a quarter provide the amount of protection shown on the label.”
“You should apply one ounce to cover your entire body. This is equivalent to a golf‐ball size amount or an adult hand-size full.” Sunscreen should also be applied daily- even on cloudy days, as the sun can still do damage. Even for those who are not sun worshippers, everyone gets their fair share of sun exposure due to the fact that the ozone is thinning, making the UV rays more harmful. Dr. Pennoyer reports that she sees more skin cancers on the left sides of patients’ faces due to sun exposure while driving in the car, and even advises patients to apply sunscreen to the tops of hands which soak up the rays on the steering wheel.
And, severe sunburns in children can increase the risk for melanoma later in life. Less than one third of children are properly protected from the sun and 80% are sunburned at least once each summer.
Dr. Pennoyer also says that, “ the notion that melanoma does not occur in individuals with dark skin is a myth. Melanoma can develop in skin of any color and in unexposed areas”.
The good news is that the Sunscreen Innovation Act, the FDA has the authority to prioritize the review and approval of more effective sunscreen ingredients that have been available to consumers outside the United States for years. This means that more advanced ingredients will come to market sooner.
ABOUT DR. JENNIFER PENNOYER
Dr. Pennoyer’s practice is at the forefront of comprehensive medical, cosmetic and laser dermatology. She is experienced at using the most advanced FDA-approved treatments available. With a highly selective offering of clinical lasers, other advanced technologies and skin care products; the practice offers a wide range of treatment options including the medical/surgical treatment of skin disorders such as skin cancers.
Dr. Pennoyer earned her B.A. from Harvard University and her medical degree from UConn School of Medicine. She did further training in UConn’s integrated residency program and completed her dermatology residency at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. She is board-certified and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and an associate clinical professor at UConn School of Medicine.
She has consistently been voted a Top Doc in Connecticut Magazine, in addition to receiving the Hartford Readers’ Poll Best of Award.
