Enjoying the Sunshine? Be Careful Out There

The rate of new cases of melanoma have doubled over the last three decades in the United States, according to a recent report from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert are alerting residents to be careful outside as the summer heats up.

There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Melanoma is much less common, however a more serious type of skin cancer than the other two. The good news is that it is almost always curable in its early stages. However, allowed to grow, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma can spread quickly. When melanoma spreads, it can be deadly.

Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a major cause of many melanomas. Most UV rays come from sunlight, but some can come from man-made sources such as tanning beds.

“Tanning beds can produce UV levels up to 100 times what you would get from the sun. The best thing to do is to stay away from indoor tanning booths, tanning beds and sun lamps since UV radiation in these devices pose serious health risks,” said Dr. Ruppert.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends you follow these tips to protect your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer:

• Apply sunscreen. When you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days, apply sunscreen to all skin that will not be covered by clothing. Reapply about every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that protects the skin against both UVA and UVB rays and that has an SPF of at least 30. Use one ounce of sunscreen, an amount that is about equal to the size of your palm. Thoroughly rub the product into the skin. Don’t forget the top of your feet, your neck, ears, back, and the top of your head.
• Seek shade. Remember that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Protect your skin with clothing. When going outside, wear a long sleeved shirt, pants, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Use extra caution near water, sand or snow as they reflect and make the damaging rays of the sun stronger, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
• Don’t use tanning beds. Just like the sun, UV light from tanning beds can cause wrinkling and age spots and can lead to skin cancer. If you want to look tan, consider using a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.

For more information on preventing melanoma call the American Cancer Society at 1-800-227-2345 or visit their website.

For more information about tanning beds visit the Rockland County Health Department website.

PHOTO: Angie Garrett - Flickr: Stolen Moment in the Sun