According to the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention, there are about 5.4 million new cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancers diagnosed each year in about 3.3 million Americans – of these, nearly 79,000 will be deadly melanoma cases. In fact, Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
Every year, the Friday before Memorial Day is declared National “Don’t Fry Day” to encourage awareness of skin cancer risks and the preventive measure that everyone should take to prevent skin cancer.
“During the summer months, the Queenstown Emergency Department gets a lot of business — all of it avoidable – that started with overexposure to the sun,” says Mary Alice Vanhoy, manager, Emergency Services in Queenstown and Chestertown. “Sun poisoning, dehydration, heat stroke are not uncommon for those who don’t take proper precautions, especially when on the beach or out on the water. This time of year, people need to be extra careful about drinking plenty of water and avoiding too much sun exposure.”
What You Need to Know: Sun Protection Facts
- No matter if your skin is light or dark – you are at risk.
- When skin cancer is found early it can be treated more easily
- Just ONE burn increases your risk to develop melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- Avoid exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..
- If you work outside try to wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat that shades your face, ears and neck.
- Wear sunglasses with UV filter to protect your eyes.
- Use a sunscreen labelled Broad Spectrum SPF #30 (Sun Protection Factor) or higher that filters UVA & UVB rays.
- Apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. (For good protection you must reapply every two hours especially after swimming or excessive sweating.)
- Examine your skin once a month – head to toe.
- Look for changes – a spot that won’t heal, or crusts, or bleeds, and for any skin growth – change in color, size , texture , thickness , irregular border or outline.
- See your doctor for a complete skin screening yearly.
- Teach your children to protect their skin.
- DO NOT Burn.
- DO NOT use tanning beds or UB tanning beds.
- DO NOT spend long periods of time in the sun.
- Remember the phrase “Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap” – SLIP on a shirt and pants -SLOP on sunscreen, SPF#30 or higher – SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat – WRAP on sunglasses.
Overdue for a skin cancer screening? A free screening is set for Thursday, June 14, 5:30 to 8 pm at Shore Dermatology, 100 Bramble Street, Suite 1. Preregistration is required; to make an appointment, call 410-820-6800.