JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas –
Sunlight has many benefits, including its ability to boost Vitamin D production and increase serotonin levels in the human body, but too much exposure to the sun can also have unwanted consequences.
The Air Force’s Summer Safety Campaign draws attention to the dangers of overexposure to the sun, including the most serious problem – skin cancer.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans,” said Maj. (Dr.) Thomas Beachkofsky, 59th Medical Specialty Squadron dermatologist. “In fact, it is estimated that more than 8,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day, and one person dies of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every hour.”
Fortunately, there are steps people can take to reduce their skin cancer risk, Beachkofsky said.
“When the ultraviolet index is moderate to extreme, seeking shade is the best option,” he said. “Here in San Antonio that can be a good portion of the day, so if this is not possible, wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and protective clothing are recommended options.”
The UV index number starts at 0-2 for low exposure level and goes all the way up to 11 and above for extreme exposure level, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. For moderate exposure, the UV index number ranges from 3 to 5. Real-time information regarding the UV index at any location in the U.S. via smartphone can be found at
https://www.epa.gov/enviro/uv-index-mobile-app.
Choosing the correct strength of sunscreen is an important consideration in protecting the skin from UV rays, Beachkofsky said. Sunscreen strength is designated by the sun protection factor, or SPF.
“The American Academy of Dermatology recommends use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30,” he said. “Broad spectrum means a sunscreen protects the skin from ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays, both of which can cause skin cancer. In general, sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours and more often if you are exposed to water or are sweating as sunscreens are neither waterproof nor sweat-proof.”
Protecting the skin of children is especially important since an estimated 40 to 60 percent of sun exposure occurs before age 20, Beachkofsky said.
Unprotected sun exposure is even more dangerous for children who have moles, freckles, very fair skin and light hair, or a family history of skin cancer.
Statistics show melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for young adults 15 to 29 years old and the incidence of melanoma in children 11 to 19 years of age has increased almost 3 percent per year from 1973 to 2001.
People should also know the signs of skin cancer so they can detect it in its earliest stages, when it is most treatable, Beachkofsky said.
“Warning signs of melanoma include changes in size, shape or color of a mole or other skin lesion, or the appearance of a new growth on the skin,” he said.
The three most common skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma, Beachkofsky said.
“Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common forms of skin cancer, but are easily treated if detected early,” he said. “Both basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma have cure rates approaching 95 percent if detected early and treated promptly. However, approximately 75 percent of skin deaths are from melanoma. The major risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet light.”
Too much UV radiation causes other problems in addition to skin cancer.
“We have all seen that 40-year-old person walking around with tanned, wrinkling, saggy, spotty skin that makes them look much older than their real age,” Beachkofsky said. “That is photo-aging. While there are many factors associated with the appearance of aging skin, UV radiation is well-known to induce wrinkles and age spots.”
Tanning beds are another source of harmful UV radiation.
The American Academy of Dermatology opposes sunlamps and sunlamp products, otherwise known as indoor tanning beds and booths, and supports prohibiting the sale and use of sunlamp products, Beachkofsky said.
“The United States Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization classify UV radiation from sunlamps as carcinogenic to humans,” he said. “Use of sunlamp products represents a significant and avoidable risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Other adverse effects of sunlamp use include burns, premature aging of the skin, infection and exacerbation of certain serious light-sensitive conditions including lupus.”
More information regarding skin cancer and skin protection from UV radiation can be found at the American Academy of Dermatology’s website, www.aad.org.