Sun Safety in the Summer

By: Melissa Parmer, RN, CCM, MBA.

As school years come to an end, the doors open on the much yearned for summer schedule: days spent outside in the water, at camp, and with family and friends. Fun in the sun can go awry, however, when too much time spent outdoors is combined with little preparation and prevention. Forgetting to apply sunscreen during hours frolicking in the sunlight combined with seemingly innocent, mild sunburns can equal health issues later on.

In the United States, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and most cases of skin cancer are preventable. Nearly five million people in the United States are treated for skin cancer each year, at an estimated cost of $8.1 billion. Melanoma rates alone doubled between 1982 and 2011, and the estimated annual cost for new cases in 2030 is $1.6 billion, nearly triple the cost in 2011. In the US, melanoma kills an estimated 10,130 people each year.

Causes and Types of Skin Cancer

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer, although certain populations have a higher risk and different skin cancers carry their own risks as well. Increased risk of skin cancer can occur when

• People exposed to the sun through work and play have a higher risk of developing skin cancer.
• A family or personal history of skin cancer increases risk, as does a history of early-in-life sunburns.
• Other risk factors include having certain moles, naturally lighter skin, and skin that burns, reddens or freckles easily.
• Inadequate sun protection, such as improperly applying sunscreen and using tanning beds, also increases a person’s risk for developing skin cancer.

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the most common types of skin cancer. Both are highly curable, but the cost of care can be high, and treatment may greatly change physical appearance. While it is the third most common type of skin cancer, melanoma is also the most dangerous and deadliest. Excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays, or ultraviolet radiation, is the most common cause of all three cancers.

UV radiation is invisible and is transmitted by both the sun and artificial sources, such as the lights found in tanning beds, mercury vapor lights and some types of light bulbs. Not all exposure to UV radiation is bad. Vitamin D production, bone development, the immune system, blood cell formation, and phosphorus and calcium absorption all depend on UV rays. However, the adage “too much of a good thing” rings true; note that only five to fifteen minutes of casual sun exposure a few times a week is enough to keep vitamin D levels high. The longer the exposure to the sun, the higher the risk of developing skin cancer.

Taking Care of Your Skin

Many skin care products specifically state the type of UV protection provided, and certain UV rays are more dangerous than others. Knowing your UV ABC’s can pay off! The three types of ultraviolet rays are UVA, UVB and UVC. Much UVB and all UVC radiation is absorbed by the earth’s ozone layer, and UVA radiation is not absorbed at all. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and have a more consistent presence throughout the year. While weaker than UVB rays, UVA rays can cause lasting skin damage, aging and cancer. UVB rays are shorter than UVA rays and can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer.

The Dermatology Nurses Association has a great campaign on being “SunAWARE” to prevent health issues. To avoid sun burns and skin cancer, stay out of the sun and stay in the shade, especially during the late morning hours until mid-afternoon. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs in addition to sunscreen and sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

Even when not embarking on an outdoor adventure, wear sunscreen daily and make sure it is at least SPF 15. People planning to spend more time outdoors or in the water should wear stronger and water-resistant sunscreen. For long days spent outside, about one ounce should be applied thirty minutes prior to sun exposure. Sunscreen should be re-applied every two hours, and in addition to immediately reapplying after toweling off, swimming or sweating a great deal.

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