Physician Health Articles
Sutter Davis Hospital

Melanoma, the Sun and You
By Monica Lawry, M.D.

As spring fades into the long days of summer, we find ourselves spending more time outdoors.  Enjoying the warm sun at baseball games, a visit to the park or a pleasant bike ride to the store seems to be just what our bodies need to escape the cocoon of winter.

But do we realize that while we are enjoying these outdoor activities we have ultimately exposed ourselves to a very real danger?  The sun is good for our bones and good for our mood, but it can be highly dangerous to our skin.

Exposure to the sun without protection is the main cause of skin cancer.  It has also been linked to the premature breakdown of collagen under the skin, causing wrinkles.  This process is known as photoaging. 

A prime example of photoaging is Cameron Diaz’s roommate, Magda, in “There’s Something About Mary.”  With orange wrinkly skin as thin as paper, her appearance is so ghastly that it makes us laugh.

This comedic character is an iconic impression of what is happening to many people all over the world.  With a tanning salon on every corner, skin cancer is on the rise and becoming a true epidemic.  In fact, melanoma has increased more rapidly than any other cancer in the past 10 years, with approximately 1,800 deaths from melanoma reported in 2007. This cancer must be considered extremely dangerous.

So why have these numbers increased so rapidly?  The answer comes down to three major influences, the first being tanning beds.  Tanning beds are the biggest culprits and have been proven to increase the chance of developing melanoma by 75%.  This is a scary fact when you think of all the teenagers tanning to get ready for the prom.

The second influence is the application of sunscreen. We need to apply it more and we need to apply it more often.  The average consumer applies about half the recommended dose of sunscreen, meaning they applied an SPF of 20 but only received protection from an SPF of 10.  Also, be sure to check the expiration dates, products loose potency if expired.

Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of the body that are exposed to the sun, including the feet, neck and ears.  When applying sunscreen an adult should apply approximately 4 ½ teaspoons of sunscreen over their whole body, with 1 half-teaspoon portions on the face and neck, each shoulder and arm, each side of the torso, and 1 whole teaspoon portions on each leg including the feet1. 

The average consumer also doesn’t reapply the sunscreen enough. Taking into account how much you sweat or if you are exposed to water, ideally you should reapply every 90 minutes while exposed to the sun.

The third influence is consumers are not using the correct type of sunscreen.  A broad-spectrum sunscreen will provide the best and most complete form of protection.  Also, take a look at the ingredients; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are safe and highly effective ingredients.  Finally make sure you choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.

The sun is a necessary and wonderful element to enjoy.  With these easy to follow suggestions, you can ensure your days in the sun will be safe and long. 

 

1. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Consumer Medication Information, Sunscreens, http:www.ncbi.nim.nlh.gov (April 2009)