By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM THE SUN’S RAYS ALL YEAR LONG

Question: Summer is coming, so I went to the store to get some sunscreen to help prevent getting skin cancer. There are so many types and strengths. Which one should I get? Does one brand work better than others? One heavily advertised brand is kind of expensive, but is it really better? I worry about this every summer. I am glad when summer is over and I can put the sunscreen away.

Answer: The most common form of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.

Melanomas are the most dangerous because they can spread, or metastasize in medical jargon, to internal organs in other parts of the body. They are responsible for 75 percent of the 10,000 skin cancer deaths that occur in the U.S. each year.

Both basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer are very curable. Recovery is almost certain if treatment is begun while the growth is small. However, failure to treat these common skin cancers can lead to serious problems and even death.

Ultraviolet (UV) light is the most important factor in the development of all types of skin cancer. That’s why you should avoid not only the rays from the sun, but also those from tanning beds and sun lamps. Skin cancer is almost an entirely preventable cancer, but most people do not adequately protect themselves from UV rays.

People with light hair, skin and eyes are at increased risk for developing skin cancer. You may also be at increased risk if you have a family history of skin cancer, a personal history of skin cancer, chronic sun exposure, or certain types of moles.

You should use a sunscreen lotion with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 -- at an absolute minimum. You should apply it at least a half hour before sun exposure and again after swimming or after any activity that causes you to sweat. If you are lounging around a pool or swimming, you should probably use a higher SPF, as reflected rays can be stronger than direct ones.

It’s strongly advised that you stay out of direct sun during the middle portion of the day by staying indoors or in the shade. This is true in winter as well as summer. You should also wear protective clothing such as a long-sleeved shirt and pants, as well as a hat with a 4-inch brim.

It’s important when you choose clothing to make sure that the weave is tight enough to block out the sun’s rays. Some companies are now listing an SPF rating on their clothing. In addition to the tightness of the weave, sometimes the fabric is actually impregnated with UV inhibitors. If the clothing has an SPF of less than 15, or you are not sure how protective it is, use a sunscreen lotion under the shirt, blouse or pants.

Don’t forget your ears and the back of your neck if you are wearing a visor or ball cap. Also, your eyes need protection from the sun with sunglasses that block the UV rays.

A number of moisturizers now come with sunscreen, which will not only keep your skin soft but also protect you from the sun’s harmful rays. Likewise, many make-ups have SPF ingredients built in as well.

I would urge you and my other readers to take the kind of steps I’ve outlined today to decrease sun exposure and skin cancer risk, everyday, year-round: not just in the summer.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.