The Northwest may not be known for hot, sunny days, but that doesn’t mean you can slack off when it comes to protecting your skin.
You can get sunburned even when it’s cloudy outside, and as much as 80 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation penetrates clouds.
That means you need sun protection year-round, rain or shine, said Elizabeth Smoots, a board-certified family physician who writes the “Practical Prevention” column for The Herald.
You risk a lot more than sunburn from too much sun. Exposure to UV radiation from sunlight is a risk factor for developing skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States. A million people a year develop skin cancer, and about 53,000 develop the most serious type of skin cancer, melanoma, according to the National Cancer Institute.
“Skin cancer is extremely common,” Smoots said. “We see it all the time in medical practice here in the Northwest.”
Smoots completed her medical training in Arizona, where she said skin cancer is an epidemic. In the Northwest, it’s still easy to soak up too many rays, especially during the summer months, she said.
Those most at risk include people who are fair-skinned with light-colored eyes and those with a family history of skin cancer. Others at high risk include those who have tanned outdoors or in a tanning booth, and people who have had at least one bad sunburn, she said.
Skin cancer is rarer in dark-skinned people, but when it does occur it tends to be deadlier, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Part of the reason is for dark-skinned people, melanomas tend to appear on areas of the body not exposed to the sun such as palms and soles of the feet. In Caucasians, it usually appears on areas of the body exposed to the sun.
The good news: The disease is nearly 100 percent curable when caught and treated early. You can do a lot to minimize your risk by taking precautions.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to minimize sun exposure, especially when the sun is brightest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., she said. Wear a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and pants outside. There are even clothes designed to block UV rays.
Sun Protections, a company based in Everett, developed a line of sun-protective clothing and accessories for men, women and children that block more than 97 percent of harmful UV rays and have an SPF of 30 plus. SPF refers to “sun protection factor,” a number on a scale that rates relative ability to block the sun’s harmful rays. In comparison, a cotton T-shirt or a polo shirt provides less than 9 SPF.
The company’s offerings include beach coverups, swim shirts and long swim pants for kids; athletic clothing for adults; and stylish fare such as sarongs and tunics for women.
Don’t forget the sunscreen, Smoots said. Look for brands with an SPF of at least 15; 30 is better. Slather an ample amount on all sun-exposed areas and re-apply every two hours.
Reporter Debra Smith: 425-339-3197 or dsmith@ heraldnet.com.
One of the best ways to reduce your risk of cancer is to keep an eye out for it. Check yourself for signs of cancer using the A, B, C, D &Es of skin cancer.
Stand in front of a mirror and check your entire body for moles, freckles, birthmarks or other unusual spots. Use a hand mirror to check any hard-to-see places. If you notice any marks that show any signs of the symptoms below, schedule a skin exam immediately.
Asymmetrical: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical, meaning a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.
Borders: The borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped, notched and fuzzy edges. Common moles have smoother, more even borders.
Colors: Common moles usually are a single shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan or black can be the first sign of melanoma, and may progress to the colors red, white and blue.
Diameter: Early melanomas usually grow larger than common moles, usually at least the size of a pencil eraser (about inch in diameter).
Evolving: When a mole is changing, see a doctor. Be alert for any change in size, shape, color, elevation, bleeding, itching, crusting or any other trait in an existing mole.
Source: Skin Cancer Takes Friends
Get a free skin cancer screening at a local dermatologist. Several dermatologists in Seattle and Mount Vernon are participating in Skin Cancer Takes Friends, a national program offering women free skin cancer screenings. Women can bring a friend or a loved one along and get screened together.
In Mount Vernon, participating dermatologists include Gary Brown, James Gross and Kevin Harris at Cascade Medical Group; call 360-336-2178.
In Seattle, get a free screening from Bernard Goffe of Dermatology Associates, 206-267-2100; Elie Levy of Highline Medical Park, 206-248-5020; and Jennifer L. Reichel of Pacific Dermatology &Cosmetic Center, 206-859-5777.
For more information: www.skincance takesfriends.org.
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