Christian Peterson
reporter.riverbendnews@gmail.com
The American Academy of Dermatology has an annual skin cancer awareness campaign that kicks off in May, "to educate the public about skin cancer detection and prevention." This comes to a head in July, which is UV Awareness Month. "In July, we raise awareness that UV is the root cause of most skin cancers," the ADD wrote. "And encourage the public to take precautions. The AAD recommends that the public #PracticeSafeSun year-round by following three simple steps while outdoors: seek shade when appropriate, wear sun protective clothing and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher."
Many may wonder what exactly UV is. According to the Skin and Cancer Institute, "Ultraviolet radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation that is invisible to the naked eye. It is made up of high-energy waves that can damage DNA and cause sunburns. It comes from the sun and can also come from artificial sources like tanning beds." The definition continues, "UV radiation is divided in two main categories: UVA (aging) and UVB (burning). UVA rays are the longest and can penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging and wrinkles. UVB rays are shorter and cause sunburns. Both types of UV radiation can be harmful to your skin."
There are numerous health concerns associated with UV radiation. It can cause sunburns, premature aging and skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, over 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year. On top of that, skin cancer rates have been on the rise. There are three types of skin cancer. One is basal cell carcinoma, "the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80 percent of all cases. It is typically slow-growing and can be treated effectively with surgery or radiation." The second is squamous cell carcinoma, which "makes up about 20 percent of all skin cancer cases and tends to occur on sun-exposed areas of the body such as the face, neck and hands." The third kind of cancer is melanoma, "the most serious type of skin cancer, accounting for about four percent of all cases. It can be very aggressive and spread quickly to other body parts if not caught early."
This all sounds like bad news, but that's why July is UV Awareness Month - because there are ways to prevent and combat the effects of UV radiation. The first and most obvious thing is to avoid direct sunlight. Find shade whenever possible, or if you're in the sun, wear clothing that protects you, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants. Additionally, wear sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Furthermore, avoid being in the sun during its peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A small piece of advice: when picking sunscreen, choose one with an SPF 30 or higher. Also, be sure to pick a sunscreen labeled broad-spectrum, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
There are also some myths surrounding UV radiation that should be clarified. First, UV radiation is not a concern during cloudy days. "The truth is that UV rays are just as harmful on cloudy days as on sunny days," the Skin and Cancer Institute explains. "Up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate through clouds. So, even if you're only going to be outside for a short period of time on a cloudy day, it's important to take precautions against UV exposure." Another myth is that those with dark skin do not need to worry about UV radiation. "While it's true that people with darker skin have a higher natural SPF than those with lighter skin, this does not mean that they are immune to the effects of UV radiation. Darker skin can still suffer from sunburn, premature aging, and even skin cancer. So, it's essential for everyone, regardless of skin color, to take steps to protect themselves from UV radiation exposure." The final large myth is that there is no need to worry about UV radiation if someone is wearing sunscreen. "While sunscreen is a vital part of any sun safety plan, it's not the only thing you need to do to protect yourself from UV radiation. You should also take steps to avoid excessive sun exposure and wear protective clothing when you are in the sun." Be safe when dealing with the sun and its potential damage.