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Friday, August 7, 2015

Sun Danger

Research shows that, when applied properly and frequently, sunscreens help prevent melanoma and other cancers. That said, there is also evidence that shows sunscreens give people a false sense of security, causing them to stay out in the sun longer than they should, which could leave them no better off from a skin cancer risk standpoint.

For this reason, Dr. William O'Connor stresses sun protection measures like seeking shade and limiting one’s time in the sun, especially during the mid-day hours. “There’s no question that UV radiation causes skin cancer, both melanoma and non-melanoma,” says Dr. O'Connor. “Sunscreens are an important tool in protecting Canadians from skin cancer, but they’re not the only tool.”

Sunscreens don’t stop all of the sun’s damaging radiation; instead they prevent a percentage of the damaging rays from penetrating the skin. An SPF of 30 means that it would take you 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen to get burned. But studies show we don’t apply sunscreen thickly enough, meaning we only get a quarter to half of the protection promised on the bottle. Thus, an SPF 30 sunscreen becomes an SPF 15 or even 10 because most people don’t put on enough of it.

Especially concerning is the care that needs to be taken with our children.  It’s up to us as adults to make sure they are protected.  "No tan is a safe tan!" states Dr. O'Connor.  “Protect your skin ~ especially when you are young ~ because once the damage is done, it is too late.” 

Farmers are also particularly at risk for Cancer of the lip which can be aggressive and disfiguring.  Farmers, or anyone working in the sun, need to be reminded to use a lip protection with a sun block.