Health & Fitness
Study Finds that Sunscreen Isn’t Enough to Protect You from Melanoma: Protect Your Skin This Summer with More Than Just Sunscreen
By Richard Bezozo, M.D., president of MoleSafe
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there will be approximately 76,100 new cases of melanoma diagnoses and approximately 9,710 melanoma deaths in the US throughout 2014. Since prevention is the only cure for melanoma, understanding and practicing skin and sun safety is critical in defending you and your loved ones from this deadly disease. Wearing sunscreen on a regular basis is seen as one of the most important preventative actions that one can take against skin cancer.
A recent study conducted by researchers at the Cancer Research UK’s Manchester Institute took an in-depth look at the effectiveness of sunscreen and its relationship with the development of melanoma. The study exposed a group of mice to UV radiation, half of which wore sunscreen and half who did not. While all of the exposed mice developed melanoma by the end of the study, the researchers found that the disease developed noticeably earlier in the mice that did not have sunscreen applied to their skin. The findings of the study demonstrate that while sunscreen does delay the progression of melanoma, is does not solely prevent the cancer from developing. A combination of applying sunscreen regularly and practicing the following steps is the best means to preventing melanoma.
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Wear protective clothing. Covering up your skin is the most straight-forward approach to avoiding skin damage from sun exposure. The sun produces UV radiation at all temperatures, so it is important to cover up and protect your skin during both the summer heat and the cooler weather. In cooler weather, protect your skin from the sun by wearing clothing such as scarves, jackets, hats, long pants and gloves. For warmer days, consider wearing UV-blocking sunglasses, hats and dark clothing and bathing suits that contain an ultraviolet protective factor.
Avoid exposure during the sun’s strongest hours. Sun and UV ray exposure is a very preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Minimizing your time outdoors during 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the suns UV rays are strongest, is firmly advised to help avoid development of the disease. Whether you are looking to lay poolside or enjoy your favorite outdoor activity, consider doing so in a shaded area, such as under an umbrella or tree.
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Conduct self-skin exams and enroll in an early detection and screening programs. When it comes to skin cancer and melanoma, getting regular screenings, monitoring your skin over time and early detection are the best defenses to avoiding and fighting the deadly disease. It is recommended that you perform monthly self skin exams, checking all areas of your skin thoroughly. Follow the ABCDE rule, which stands for asymmetrical shape, border, color, diameter and evolution; all of which are important irregularities to look for when you are examining your skin. If you find one or more of these signs or find a suspicious mole or lesion, be sure to visit your physician. Regular visits to your doctor as well as enrolling in an early detection and surveillance program are strongly suggested. When looking for an early detection screening program to enroll in, look for comprehensive programs that incorporate the most advanced melanoma detecting technologies, including digital dermoscopy, sequential monitoring and total body photography, in order to have peace of mind and to ensure that you are receiving the most highly effective care available.
It is very important to understand that there is no single way to prevent melanoma. It is a balanced combination of many preventative steps that will be the best means to preventing this dangerous and deadly disease. This summer, I encourage you to practice these safe-sun tips, perform monthly self-checks and take the time to make an appointment to get your skin screened by enrolling in an early detection and surveillance program.
For more information on melanoma screenings and the MoleSafe early detection program, visit us at www.molesafe.com or call 1-877-MOLESAFE.
Richard Bezozo, M.D., is the president of MoleSafe.
