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Anna Schremmer, K-State Research & Extension Family Consumer Science Agent for Phillips-Rooks District #5

Wed, 04/29/2020 - 06:17
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Sun Safety

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During April I do an article on sun safety. Most of you know my husband died of Melanoma. After seeing the suffering he endured with this disease, I will continue to write articles and give radio programs with the chance of educating even one person to prevent the possibility of getting this cancer.

This cancer is preventable if we use common sense and respect the sun. The need for sun safety has become clearer over the past 30 years. Studies show that exposure to the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds can cause skin cancer. These harmful rays may also cause eye problems, weaken your immune system, and give you dark spots, wrinkles, or "leathery" skin.

Sun damage to the body is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation. People recognize sunburn as a type of skin damage caused by the sun. Tanning is also a sign of the skin reacting to potentially damaging UV radiation by producing additional pigmentation that provides it with some, but not enough, protection against sunburn.

Many people go to tanning salons to get a so-called "base tan" before leaving on a beach vacation. The theory behind this is a few sessions of indoor tanning will protect your skin from sunburn in a sunny climate. But there's little evidence that this is true. Remember, long-term exposure to artificial (or natural) sources of ultraviolet rays increases one's risk of developing skin cancer. The alternatives? Use sunless tanning lotions or sprays along with regular skin checks by your physician or dermatologist.

Despite the clear evidence that it's unsafe, the use of tanning beds is on the rise. Nearly 30 million people in the United States tan in salons every year, most of them women between the ages of 16 and 49. Surveys show that many people understand the risks but continue to tan because they think cancer will not happen to them.

If you like lying in the sun, at least be smart about it. Be sure to use a strong sun block any time you are in the sun for longer than 15 minutes.

Remember there are various things than you can do to prevent skin cancer:

• Instead of going to a tanning salon, try tanning sprays. In fact, some salons now provide only tanning spray services.

• Conduct a monthly skin self-exam and look for any abnormalities (like bumps or sores that don't heal) or moles that have changed size, color or shape. Be sure to check all areas. Have a friend or family member check your back.

• Visit your physician or a dermatologist to get annual exams. If caught early skin cancer is now almost 100 percent curable.

Of course we want to look good. And a good tan looks cool! Just ask George Hamilton. If you're gonna tan, at least be smart about it.

“Knowledge for Life” provided by Phillips-Rooks Extension District #5 and K-State Research and Extension.