Many of us are outside in the sun on a regular basis and with this we are subjected to adverse effects from the sun’s ultra violet (UV) rays. Too much exposure can cause skin cancer. You get exposure to UV radiation not just from the sun, but also from using tanning beds and sunlamps. Skin cancer is a common form of cancer and yet there are steps we can take to limit our exposure and risks for getting skin cancer.
Research shows that sunburns early on in your life can lead to an increased risk for melanoma in adult years. It is important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays at every age. Sunscreen can help protect the skin by filtering out the sun’s UV rays. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen generously to areas where your skin gets exposed to the sun. Sunscreens should be applied 20 minutes prior to being in the sun (be sure to follow manufacturers recommendations). Apply on cloudy days too if you will be outdoors.
The Centers for Disease Control recommends using a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher. Always apply sunscreen properly and reapply if you are going to be outdoors for any length of time of two hours or longer. Sunscreen products lose their potency over time, so it is recommended to replace every year or two.
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Five tips for protection from the sun:
- Stay out of the sun and remain in shade, especially during peak sunlight hours
- Wear long sleeved shirts/pants covering your arms and legs
- Buy sunglasses that block UVA and UVB light rays for better protection
- Apply sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher, making sure product has UVA and UVB protection
- Stay away from indoor tanning beds and lamps.
Wearing brimmed hats helps protect your forehead, ears and scalp from sun exposure. To lower your risk of getting skin cancer, protect yourself from the sun’s adverse effects. For more information on sunscreens, check out the burning facts on the EPA website.
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This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information or if you have a medical concern.
Contributed by: The Physician Alliance, one of Michigan’s largest physician organizations serving more than 2,200 physicians in southeast Michigan.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ChoosingWisely.org, World Health Organization, American College of Physicians, American Academy of Family Physicians, American Medical Association, Medscape
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