Months seek to bring awareness to skin cancer, sun safety

The most diagnosed type of cancer in the United States is also the cancer that is not only treated the most successfully, but also the type of cancer that is perhaps the most preventable. According to Terry Egan, cancer control program coordinator for region one (Missoula, Mineral and Ravalli counties) for the Montana Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (MCCCP), a supporting partner to the Montana Cancer Control Coalition (MTCCC), over one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the states this year.

"Skin cancer is very preventable," Egan said.

Egan said that while out in the sun she encourages individuals to remember four basic rules in preventing harmful sun exposure that could lead to skin cancer: slip, slop, slap and wrap. Slip on a shirt, slop on some sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on some sunglasses.

Egan said that while white shirts are fine when you are in the shade, it is better to wear darker t-shirts when you are playing in the direct sunlight. White shirts become a problem especially when wearing them in water because when they get wet, the sun goes right through them and they no longer provide any protection.

When it comes to sunscreen, Egan said that people "aren't using enough."

"It takes about one ounce, or enough to fill an adult's palm to cover exposed skin," Egan said. "Sunscreen should be applied twenty minutes before going outside so it can soak in and the protection is there."

Egan recommends a minimum sunscreen that carries 15spf (sun protection factor). She said that a sunscreen with 15spf blocks out about 93 percent of the sun's rays, while a sunscreen with 30spf will block out around 97-98 percent of the sun's rays.

"You also want to make sure you ger a broad spectrum screen that blocks out both UV-b and UV-a rays," Egan said. "Both of them are ultraviolet rays and are two kinds that suns produces that can be harmful."

Finally, Egan says to put a hat on. She says that while baseball caps provide some protection, the back of the ears and neck can still be exposed. It is also helpful to put on a pair of sunglasses, being sure to read what type of protection they provide. Egan said that there are two groups especially at risk.

"The largest growing segment experiencing skin cancer are young women ages 14 to 30 because they're the ones using tanning beds and are out lying in the sun," Egan said. "A lot of the skin damage is also done in the days of our youth so you really want to protect children. Severe sunburns will also make you a more likely candidate to have skin cancer."

Egan said that while prevention is important so is early detection. She said that when you are looking for things, it is important to follow the a-b-c-d rule. A stands for asymmetrical, while B stands for border. Egan said you want to look at the shape of the spot. While moles will be nice and round in shape, skin cancer spots will might have jagged edges or odd edges, producing an odd, irregular shape. C stands for color. Moles have even colors while sin cancer spots can have variations of browns, black and whites. Finally, D stands for diameter. Egan said that if something is the size of the eraser of a pencil and growing than there is cause for concern. She said to take note if any changes start occurring in any moles you have had for years or if you notice something new.

Egan also cautioned that different skin types will burn differently and it is important to know how you burn. If you do burn Egan advises to keep the affected area cool, moist and to leave the blisters alone as breaking them and peeling skin can make it take longer for the area to heal.

"It usually takes 12 to 24 hours after exposure for full extent to be known," Egan said.

May was melanoma/skin cancer detection and prevention month with May 28 serving as no fry day. June 6-12 is sun safety week and July is UV safety awareness month. So with the coming of the summer months, remember to play safe in the sun and take the steps necessary to protect yourself.