Sun Safety By Mary Andrews, Urban Regional Extension Agent, Lauderdale County

More than one million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed yearly, with melanoma being the most common. Although melanoma only accounts for four percent of skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer deaths according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). ACS further reports that in 2006, 62,190 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed and approximately 7,910 people will die as a result of this disease.

Melanoma primarily occurs among white Americans who are ten times more likely than African Americans to be diagnosed with this disease. Risk factors for melanoma include increased sunlight (ultraviolet (UV) radiation), moles, fair skin, family history, suppressed immune system, age, gender, and a past history of the disease. The best way to prevent this disease is by reducing your exposure to sunlight or UV rays.

As the summer heats up and children escape the house to explore the great outdoors, it's a good idea to educate them as well on the harmful affects of sun exposure. For example, the Lauderdale County Extension Office and other local agencies recently hosted Farm Safety Day where approximately 150 children and counselors learned sun safety tips, including how to avoid getting skin cancer.

During the event, participants were taught how to make a skin cancer bracelet. The bracelet is worn outside and the longer it is exposed to direct sunlight, the deeper the colors will become in the bracelet. In addition, attendees learned about the symptoms of skin cancer, such as:

• Flat, red spots that are rough, dry or scaly;
• Small, smooth, shiny, pale, or waxy lumps;
• Lumps that bleed or develop a crust; and/or
• Firm, red lumps.

Other sun safety tips were shared with the group that included:

1. Wearing loose fitting clothing;
2. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat;
3. Using sunglasses that provide UVA (ultraviolet alpha) and UVB (ultraviolet beta) protection;
4. Reducing sun exposure from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
5. Finding shade under trees or other physical structures between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.;
6. Applying sunscreen to exposed skin 30 minutes before going outside; and
7. Using a sunscreen with a protection factor of 15 or higher.

Careful exposure to the sun will also help you to avoid sunburn, wrinkled skin, eye damage, or a sun or heat stroke.

Contact your local Extension office to learn more about sun safety, skin cancer, and other health-related issues.

References
American Cancer Society. (2006). Cancer facts and figures 2006. Retrieved June 22, 2006.

American Cancer Society. (April 5, 2006). Skin cancer facts. Prevention and Early Detection. Retrieved June 22, 2006.

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