Revised March 2000
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Many people admire or try to get the perfect, healthy-looking tan. This, however, is a misnomer. There's no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan is the skin's response to injury from ultraviolet (UV) light. Nearly 95 percent of all skin cancers in the United States are caused by exposure to UV radiation.
The American Cancer Society estimates that about 47,700 new cases of melanomas will be diagnosed during the year 2000. Also about 1.3 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer are diagnosed each year.
Three major types of skin cancer are identified below:
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form (Figure 1). It looks like a clear spot or small bump that usually forms on the head, neck or hand. Size can vary.
Figure 1
Basal cell carcinoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma can start as nodules or as a red, scaly area (Figure 2). This often develops on the lips, face or tops of the ears.
Figure 2
Squamous cell carcinoma.
Malignant melanoma is the least common but most deadly (Figure 3).
Figure 3
Two common forms of malignant melanoma. Left: superficial spreading melanoma. Right: modular melanoma.
JAMA (the Journal of the American Medical Association) reported in 1991 that one in 75 people by the year 2000 could develop malignant melanoma in their lifetime. If caught in its early stages, malignant melanoma can be treated effectively.
Currently, about 7,700 people are expected to die during the year 2000 from malignant melanomas. About 1,900 people expected to die from basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Skin cancer, however, caught in the early stages has almost a 100 percent cure rate.
Every day, about 1 million Americans use tanning booths, many thinking it is safer than lying in the sun. Wrong.
Tanning booths are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and can cause the following problems: skin cancer; damage to the immune system and eyes; first- and second-degree burns and premature aging.
Tanning pills also are hazardous. Such pills containing canthaxanthin are not approved for use in the United States because they can kill you by destroying your white and red blood cells.
Protect your children from the sun. Researchers estimate that 50 percent of your lifetime exposure to UV radiation occurs by the time you are 18.
Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Use a combination of sunscreen, proper clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat whenever outside. Typical baseball-style caps do not offer adequate protection for the entire face and neck. Wear a hat with at least a 4-inch brim.
Sun protection factor (SPF) is the number that reflects a product's ability to block ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVB rays affect the outermost layer of skin, or epidermis. SPF does not indicate ability to block ultraviolet A (UVA) radiation. UVA rays penetrate to the dermis, or deeper layer of skin, altering skin fibers, removing moisture and elasticity and enhancing the cancer-causing potential of UVB rays.
SPF 15 means the sunscreen will protect your skin 15 times longer from UVB than if sunscreen was not used. The actual amount of time will vary from person to person, depending on your altitude and proximity to the equator.
SPF 15 blocks 95 percent of the UVB wavelengths. SPF 30 is not twice as good. It only provides another 3 percent of protection.
For sunscreen to be effective, you should apply it 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun so it can bond with your skin. Adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen to cover their bodies. You should reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating excessively. Sunscreen is not recommended for children less than 6 months old. Keep infants in the shade and covered up with clothing.
Consumer Reports says waterproof sunscreen is better than water-resistant sunscreen and less-expensive sunscreen is as effective as expensive sunscreen.
To block UVA rays, look for sunscreens that contain Parsol 1789 (avobenzone). But be wary. Many sunscreen manufacturers claim UVA protection on their labels, but such claims are not made with approval from the FDA. At this time, only Photoplex and Filteray have FDA approval for such claims. Micronized zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are also excellent ingredients, which absorb and scatter both UVA and UVB rays.
The mnemonic "SCHEGS" embraces all elements of a comprehensive sun-protection program:
Prevention and early detection are the best cures for skin cancer. For more information, contact your physician, or:
G1966, revised March 2000