April 15, 2004

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COLLEGE STATION – Break out the shorts and sandals – spring has officially arrived and summer can't be far behind.

But no matter what summer fashion you wear during the hot sunny season, always be sure to accessorize with sunscreen and a hat, said Dr. Carol Rice, Texas Cooperative Extension health specialist.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than a million new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. Last year the ACS estimates included about 54,000 cases of malignant melanoma and about 9,800 deaths.

"Skin cancer (rate) is rising every decade," Rice said, quoting information from the ACS.

Theories for this increase include more UV rays being admitted through the atmosphere, and the fact that summer clothing is becoming skimpier, but whatever the reason, more people are developing skin cancer, Rice said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states limiting exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun may help prevent many of these cancers from occurring.

The CDC lists other risk factors for developing skin cancer:

- Light skin, hair and/or eye color;

- Family and/or personal history of skin cancer;

- Chronic exposure to the sun;

- History of sunburns in childhood;

- Certain types of moles or a large number of moles;

- Freckles, an indicator of sun sensitivity and damage.

Even people without these risk factors would be wise to protect themselves from harm caused by too much exposure to the sun, Rice said. SUNSCREEN

Sunscreens are an important tool in preventing sun damage to the skin, Rice said, because when used correctly they block most of the sun's harmful rays.

"The CDC says get a sun screen that has at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor)," she said. "It can be higher, but you need at least 15 SPF."

Before going outside, rub sun screen onto any part of the skin that will be exposed to the sun. Be sure to reapply every two hours, even if the sunscreen is advertised to be waterproof.

The SPF level is the important part when choosing a sunscreen, Rice said, because most have been developed for general use. Those who have very sensitive skin might need to do a little shopping around, but for most people, any 15 SPF or higher sunscreen will do just fine.

However, she cautioned, "You need to make sure to check the expiration date because they do wear out, like most other items that have an impact on health. If they spend a lot of time in high heat, they may not be very effective. Don't store sunscreen in a car or on a boat for long time periods." CLOTHING

It may not be seasonal, but when it comes to fun in the sun – cover up. Rice advised wearing lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

"It's hard to do when it's really hot," she said, but wearing these kinds of clothes protects the skin.

But the most important item of summer apparel is the hat, Rice said. And not just any hat, but one with a 3-inch brim all the way around.

"A hat is very important because the areas of the face where the sun hits hard – the nose, top of the ears, the cheeks – are protected by the hat brim," she said. "Wearing a baseball cap only protects the face." That leaves the ears and back of the neck exposed to the sun. SUNGLASSES

Don't forget to protect the eyes too, Rice said.

"The cost of the glasses is not relative to the amount of protection you get," she said.

Although most sunglasses made today come with 100 percent ultraviolet protection, the best choice of style might be the wraparound kind – at least for Texans and others who live in areas of prolonged exposure to intense sunshine.

"Light-colored eyes are more affected by UV rays," she said. And exposure to UV rays can also contribute to cataracts. TIME OF DAY

Timing is also an important factor in protecting the skin from the sun, Rice said.

"Be careful about when you go out," she said. "Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is the highest risk (of damaging UV rays)."

But while following all these steps will provide protection from the sun, they aren't always possible for some people.

"People who work outdoors are at much higher risk for skin cancer than those who don't," Rice said. Agricultural workers, grounds keepers, construction workers, even lifeguards need to be especially careful, she said.

Whenever possible these workers need to wear protective clothing and hats and keep their skin covered in sunscreen.

And please, she said, remember that there's no such thing as "a healthy tan."

"Tanning is evidence that damage to the skin has occurred," Rice said. And it doesn't matter if the damage is from the sun or from an indoor tanning bed – it's still the same damage.

"When we go to M.D. Anderson with our Health Tech campers each year, the health professional who gives the tour always brings up (the fact) there's no such thing as a safe tan. Any light that penetrates the skin to cause tan is causing damage."

This damage can eventually lead to skin cancer. Any new moles or changes in existing moles, dark patches or long-lasting pearly-looking bumps should be checked by a doctor – preferably a dermatologist – no matter how old the patient is, Rice said.

Skin cancer symptoms can be listed by ABCs:

- A: Asymmetrical mole or growth;

- B: Border that is irregular;

- C: Color that is odd or varied;

- D: Diameter unusually large or growing or changing.

"Texans have a one-in-three chance of developing skin cancer. It's accumulated damage. One bad sunburn (earlier in life) can produce melanoma – that's the worst kind (of skin cancer)," Rice said.

"Awareness is improving, but we still have a long way to go."

For more information on this and other health issues, visit Extension's Family and Consumer Science Web page at http://fcs.tamu.edu/ and click on the link to health and safety.