Educate Yourself
The Experts answer your questions
PREVENTION / SUNSCREEN
Q. What can I do to help reduce my risk of developing melanoma?
A. To reduce melanoma risk you should limit your exposure to the sun, especially during its peak period between 10:00am ? 3:00pm; always use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher; and wear protective clothing, like a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, pants and even sunglasses. Exposure to the ultraviolet light from tanning beds can also cause skin cancer and premature aging. Reflective surfaces such as water, snow and sand can increase your exposure to ultraviolet rays. It is important to note that exposure to strong ultraviolet radiation especially sunburns in childhood and teen years may increase melanoma risk. People may have an increased risk of melanoma if they burn easily or have freckled skin or a lot of moles. It is important to conduct regular skin self-exams and report any suspicious moles to a physician. The Seal of Recognition? of the American Academy of Dermatology and Seal of Approval of the Skin Cancer Foundation recognizes sunscreen products meeting stringent standards.
Sources:
MD Anderson, CancerWise, May 2007
National Cancer Institute
Q. What exactly are ?ultraviolet rays? and why should I avoid them?
A. Ultraviolet (UV) rays are a part of sunlight that is an invisible form of radiation. UV rays can penetrate and change the structure of skin cells. UVA rays are the most abundant source of solar radiation at the earth?s surface and penetrate beyond the top layer of skin. Scientists believe that UVA rays can increase a person?s risk for developing skin cancer. UVB rays are less abundant at the earth?s surface and penetrate less deeply into the skin but can also be damaging and is primarily responsible for causing sunburn. It is important to wear sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation. The SPF scoring system primarily refers to degree of protection against UVB radiation.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Q. How does sunscreen work?
A. Most sun protection products work by absorbing, reflecting, or scattering the sun's rays. These products contain chemicals that interact with the skin to protect it from UV rays. Sunscreens help prevent problems related to sun exposure, such as aging skin and precancerous growths. It is important to note that UV exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, premature skin aging, and other sun damage, so it is important to limit time in the sun, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen. For more information about sunscreens, visit the FDA?s website for nonprescription drug products.
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Skin Cancer Foundation
Q. I?ve heard some people say you should wear sunscreen year round, is that true?
A. Yes. UV radiation can still damage skin in the winter, even though the sun is not as strong. The sun?s rays can penetrate clouds, haze, and smoke, so sunscreen should be used on cloudy days, as well.
Source:
Linh Lu, M.D., Ph.D., MIT Dermatologist, MIT Medical News, Summer 2008
Q. Why is it important to reapply sunscreen frequently?
A. There are three reasons why sunscreens should be reapplied frequently. First, sunscreens can be physically rubbed off, like when drying yourself with a towel. Second, sunscreens can be washed off when swimming or with heavy sweating. Third, some of the active ingredients in sunscreens start to break down over time. This break down can be accelerated by sun exposure. These three factors can prevent sunscreens from providing the level of protection indicated by the SPF value.
Source:
Skin Cancer Foundation
Q. Is the FDA involved in improving consumer information about sunscreens?
A. FDA is proposing new labeling for sunscreens to indicate that sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours, after 40 minutes of swimming, or sweating, and after towel drying. In addition, the FDA is evaluating rating systems for effectiveness of products to protect against UVA exposure. SPF is a measure of effectiveness of products to protect against UVB exposure.
Source:
FDA Questions and Answers on the 2007 Sunscreen Proposed Rule
Q. Are there other risk factors for melanoma than UV exposure and fair skin?
A. Yes, studies indicate that risk factors include dysplastic nevi (i.e., atypical appearing moles that are large with multiple shades of color), more than 50 ordinary moles, personal history of melanoma or skin cancer, family history of skin cancer and a weakened immune system such as following organ transplantation or people positive for HIV.
Sources:
What You Need To Know About Melanoma ? National Cancer Institute
Skin Cancer Foundation