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by Jennifer Colvin
You’re not a beach bum, and because we live in the Northwest where the sun really shines only a few weeks a year, you might think you don’t have to worry about skin cancer. In fact, you’re probably at a greater risk for skin cancer than you realize. The most dangerous type of skin cancer, melanoma, is linked to intermittent bursts of sun exposure, which means that weekend warriors are at higher risk for skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, other risk factors include people with fair skin who burn easily, and those with blond, red or light brown hair and blue, green or gray eyes. A family history of skin cancer, as well as bad childhood sunburns and a lot of moles are signs of higher risk. There are three main types of skin cancer - basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common forms, and if detected early, are usually cured. They can be identified by an itchy rash or open sore. Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and can be identified by the ABCD’s of melanoma. When examining a mole for skin cancer, look for Asymmetry, a change in Border, more than one Color and a large Diameter. The Skin Cancer Foundation has graphic pictures of what skin cancer looks like at www.skincancer.org/melanoma/earlwarn.html . When in doubt, see a physician for an examination. You can’t do anything about having light hair and eyes, or childhood burns or a family history of skin cancer, but it’s easy to protect yourself from further sun damage. Wear sunscreen. It’s the best way to protect yourself besides staying out of the sun altogether. UV rays penetrate through clouds, so it’s important to wear sunscreen even if it isn’t sunny, and especially if you’re on the water or snow where UV rays are stronger because they’re being reflected. Doctors recommend applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going out in the sun, and using a least SPF 15, which blocks 93% of UV rays. Even better, SPF 30 blocks 97% of harmful radiation. Other basic ways to protect yourself are by simply wearing a hat and sunglasses. But wearing sunscreen doesn’t mean you’re safe to spend even more time in the sun than you normally would. According to the FDA, if you use sunscreens to spend more time in the sun, your skin could collect about the same total exposure to damaging radiation. Another way to protect yourself is by wearing protective clothing. Many outdoor enthusiasts favor lightweight, light-colored performance fabrics that are great for wicking moisture and breathability but don’t provide much protection from the sun. If you hold up a shirt to the light and can see through it, it won’t block many UV rays. Densely woven dark fabrics provide the most protection. One company, Sun Precautions, makes a line of clothing with SPF 30 protection. Their Solumbra line (www.sunprecautions.com) is made with a patented fabric that provides all-day UVA and UVB protection, and is regulated as a medical device. Their shirts also feature a wicking finish and several are well ventilated with mesh inserts. The Super Active shirt is popular with runners because of its cropped fit, ¾ zipper and breathable vents on the front and back. Check out the current UV index for your area at www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/stratosphere/uv_index/uv_current.html Find a dermatologist who is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology at www.aad.org/findermf.html
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If you’re like most active runners who have to pay the bills by working at a real job instead of relying on your athletic ability to cover rent, you’re probably in an office all week, go for a few quick runs after work and then spend the weekend being active outside. 