EVERETT — After breaking a 122-year record for the wettest winter and spring, we all need a quick refresher on coping with the sun.
The reality of leaving home without protection is the risk of skin cancer. And Snohomish County is a melanoma hot spot.
Skin cancer rates here exceed state levels — nearly 62 skin cancer cases per 100,000 compared with the statewide rate of 50.6.
Before you dash out the door, remember the basics: sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, and avoiding midday sun when possible.
Overcast skies may lull people into thinking, “There’s not that much sun out, I just don’t need to worry about it,” said Dr. Gary Goldbaum, health officer for the Snohomish Health District.
Skin cancer rates are highest among light-skinned people, Goldbaum said.
“We just take it for granted that skin cancers are benign,” he said. “Skin cancer is so easily prevented, there’s no reason why all of us shouldn’t take every precaution to prevent it.”
There are different types of skin cancer. Melanoma is the most deadly.
“Melanoma is a horrific cancer — it spreads easily and it can be very difficult to treat,” Goldbaum said.
“We’re just heading into true summer weather,” he said. “I would hope people will protect themselves.”
Up to 80 percent of the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds, said Katie Treend, a cancer coordinator for the state Department of Health.
The sun’s harmful UV rays can have the same risk rating on cloudy days with temperatures in the 60s as on sunny days, she said.
“The idea you can only get sunburned when it’s sunny is a complete myth,” Treend said. “We’re lulled into a false sense of security, but we’re still getting radiation on our cloudy days.”
Get in the habit of applying sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher, she said.
Online weather sites provide hourly ultraviolet or UV ratings. A rating of zero to 2 means there’s low risk of burning unprotected skin; 3 to 5 is moderate; 6 to 7 and up is high to very high.
It’s especially important for people 50 and up to be checked for skin cancer. “If you haven’t, you need to get in,” she said.
Nationally, Washington is among the top 10 states for highest incidence of newly diagnosed skin cancer.
Western Washington, from the San Juan Islands south to Thurston County, has higher skin cancer rates than sunnier, drier Eastern Washington.
There are many reasons that may explain the east-west difference in skin cancer rates, Treend said. Among them are both water and snow are highly reflective of the sun’s rays.
Skin cancer is both the most common type of cancer and the most preventable, Treend said. In the United States, it is diagnosed in one in five people.
“Washington needs to wake up about skin cancer,” Treend said. “Sun safety matters here in Washington. You need to take it seriously.”
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
Things to look for when doing a skin cancer check:
Asymmetry: One half of a mole on your skin that’s different than the other half.
Border: Look for a mole with an uneven border
Color: A mole that is not a normal brown or is multi-colored.
Diameter: Anything that’s larger than about one-quarter of an inch
Evolving: If a mole changes over time — grows, shrinks, or changes color.
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
Consumer Reports rated 15 sunscreens as excellent. Among them are:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Melt-In Sunscreen Milk lotion, Trader Joe’s Spray SPF 50+, Equate Sport Lotion SPF 50, Pure Sun Defense Disney Frozen Lotion SPF 50, and Banana Boat SunComfort Clear Ultramist Spray SPF 50+.
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