JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Preventing needless injuries and death due to activities such as traveling, swimming, boating and biking is one of the goals of the Air Force’s Summer Safety campaign.
However, there is one danger that typically does not have immediate consequences but can turn deadly in the future.
Too much exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays over time can lead to skin cancer, which is responsible for thousands of deaths each year in the United States. It is also the most common cancer in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Precautions can be taken to prevent skin cancer, said Maj. (Dr.) David Dy, 359th Medical Group Family Health Clinic medical director.
“One of the easiest ways to protect yourself from sun exposure is getting in the shade as much as possible,” he said.
“The use of sunscreen, long-sleeve shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses are also useful.”
Dy said the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 30. Reapplication is recommended every two hours.
“Sunscreen is recommended for use at any time someone is outdoors as UV rays are still present on cloudy days and can be reflected by snow, water and sand,” he said.
However, no sunscreen blocks 100 percent of UV rays, Dy cautioned.
Protection from sun exposure should begin early in life, Dy said.
“Early precautions against UV rays help protect against cancer, early skin aging and sunburn,” he said. “It is also a healthy habit for young individuals to learn for preventive health reasons.”
There are two main types of skin cancer – melanoma and nonmelanoma, Dy said.
“Melanoma is by far the most dangerous type,” he said.
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are nonmelanoma forms of cancer, but they are easily treated if detected early, with cure rates approaching 95 percent with early detection and treatment.
The biggest risk factor for skins cancer is prolonged sun exposure without protection, Dy said.
“Family history also plays a role,” he said.
People can check their skin for possible signs of skin cancer, Dy said.
“Any area of skin that bleeds without manipulation, peels without a known cause or appears thick, crusty, pink, swollen and/or red are signs that a person should be evaluated by their healthcare provider,” he said.
UV radiation can cause other health issues, including sunburns, corneal damage, macular degeneration, premature skin aging and possible immune system suppression.