May is Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- Students are counting down the days until vacation season begins, along with hours of fun in the sun. It’s no coincidence that May was designated both Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Melanoma Awareness Month by their respective foundations…the Skin Cancer Foundation and the Melanoma International Foundation.

Skin cancer affects one in five Americans; more than 1 million new cases will be diagnosed this year. Of these cases, more than 65,000 are melanoma, and will claim nearly 11,000 lives. Even though Melanoma only accounts for approximately 6 percent of all skin cancer cases, it’s responsible for causing the most skin cancer-related deaths, thus the need for early detection in order to treat in the earliest stage.

As the saying goes…”The best defense is to avoid.” Unfortunately man has always worshipped the sun, and those whose bodies haven’t yet suffered the ravages of the sun are the most likely to spend the greatest amount of time out in the sun this summer. Medical professionals recommend protecting your skin during the first 18 years of life. By doing so, the risk of some types of skin cancer can be reduced by as much as 78 percent. Just one severe sunburn during the first 15 years of life can double the risk of skin cancer.

“Between the ages of 13 and 23 I tanned regularly outdoors. From age 23 to 27, I had regular access to a tanning bed at a friend’s tanning salon,” said Sheila Zea, Vice President of the Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce, who has had Melanoma excised twice, once at Stage 2, and the subsequent occurrence at Stage 0.

The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Monday, May 6, that indoor tanning beds would come with new warnings about the risk of cancer and be subject to more stringent federal oversight. Recent studies have shown that the risk of melanoma is 75 percent higher in people who have been exposed to ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning.

“Everyone should watch the YouTube video, ‘Dear 16-year-old me.’ It’s a message to ourselves if we could talk some sense into ourselves at that age,” said Zea.

The survival rate for early detection, before the tumor has penetrated the skin, is about 97%. The survival rate falls to 15% when detected in the late stages.

“I became acutely more aware of the symptoms after my first occurrence and was able to catch the second one in the earliest stage,” said Zea. “These are symptoms I learned to look for:”

• A small dark spot or mole that is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture

• A red lump (spot or mole) that is firm

• A sore or spot that bleeds or becomes crusty, won't heal

• Flat scaly areas of the skin that are red or brown.

• Any new growth that is suspicious

Advanced Associates in Dermatology confirmed that studies have revealed that sun exposure is responsible for the development of at least two-thirds of all melanomas, and that approximately 80 percent of a person’s lifetime sun damage occurs before the age of 18, a significant portion of which occurs during peak sun hours and in the summer.

UV exposure is greatest during the summer when the sun is highest in the sky between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist, and fog. Water reflects back about 5 percent of the sun’s rays, so precautions should be taken when on the lake, around the pool, or on the beach. Amazingly, fresh snow reflects back about 85 percent of the sun’s rays, and concrete reflects back 10 to 12 percent.

The American Association of Dermatologists recommends that everyone follow these sun protection guidelines:

• Avoid outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest.

• Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher, in addition to sun-protective clothing and accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses.

• Follow the "Shadow Rule" - if your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun's damaging rays are at their strongest and you’re more likely to burn. Seek shade at this time.

“The two best sunscreens I’ve found are Aveeno Baby SPF 55, available almost everywhere, and Badger which is sold at Whole Foods,” said Zea. “Badger is organic and botanically-based, and comes in an SPF 30 and 34.”

Dermatologists say that sunscreen isn’t used frequently enough, and applied appropriately. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 35, should be applied generously every four hours, and always when coming out of the water. An SPF 50 is even better.

SPF clothing is now available. Made specifically for outdoor activity, some clothing has an SPF 100+, and can block 98% of the UVA/UVB rays. UV-A rays maintain relatively constant intensity throughout the year. They contribute to premature aging of the skin, sunburn and even skin cancer. The UV-B rays are more intense than UV-A rays. These are stronger in summer months, at higher altitudes, and when closer to the equator. They can contribute to premature aging of the skin and can cause cataracts. Exposure to UV-B rays over a lifetime can lead to skin cancer and even affect the immune system. The UV-C rays are the strongest and most dangerous, but are normally filtered by the ozone layer in the earth’s atmosphere.

More than 3.5 million skin cancers are diagnosed annually in more than 2 million people. In 2012, about 76,250 new melanomas will be diagnosed; approximately 44,250 will be men, and 32,000 will be women. Even with greater information and awareness, the rate of melanoma cases has continued to rise over the past 30 years. Fun in the sun isn’t so much fun when you consider the consequences of not protecting your skin.