National Skin Cancer, Sun Safety and UV Safety Awareness—Summer 2011

The sun is important for providing warmth and light that support the environment. However, the rays from the sun can be dangerous. Both Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) can damage the skin by causing tanning and burning. This sun damage can lead to signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines and sagging, but most importantly it has been strongly linked to skin cancer. Protection from the sun is especially important during the summer months when outdoor activities beckon so it behooves everyone to make themselves aware of Sun and UV Safety and to understand the potential health-risks associated with unsafe exposure to the sun.

Definition of skin cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer. Skin cancer that forms in melanocytes (skin cells that make pigment) is called melanoma. Skin cancer that forms in basal cells (small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin) is called basal cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in squamous cells (flat cells that form the surface of the skin) is called squamous cell carcinoma. Skin cancer that forms in neuroendocrine cells (cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system) is called neuroendocrine carcinoma of the skin. Most skin cancers form in older people on parts of the body exposed to the sun or in people who have weakened immune systems.

Estimated new cases and deaths from skin (nonmelanoma) cancer in the United States in 2010: New cases: more than 1,000,000 Deaths: less than 1,000.

See the National Cancer Institute's Skin Cancer Section to learn about skin cancer symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.

Definition of melanoma: A form of cancer that begins in melanocytes (cells that make the pigment melanin). It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.

Estimated new cases and deaths from melanoma in the United States in 2010: New cases: 68,130 - Deaths: 8,700

See the National Cancer Institute's Melanoma Section to learn about melanoma symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and questions to ask the doctor.

For additional information on Skin Cancer please visit MedlinePlus®...Click here

Healthcast: Skin Cancer & Sun Protection

Rochester Health presents Allison L. Holm, M.D. - Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Dermatology Partners of Western NY, LLP.

Sun and Vitamin D

Hubert Riegler, MD,Orthopaedic Surgeon, Clinical Associate Professor, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry

The risks associated with sun exposure are well- known, however one must also consider the positive aspects of some exposure to the sun, namely vitamin D production. Vitamin D is essential for bone health. In most people, about 10-20 minutes of daily sun exposure produces adequate levels of Vitamin D. If one is at high risk of developing skin cancer, appropriate high-SPF sunblock is a necessity and these folks must make sure they get adequate Vitamin D through other sources. Current literature recommends that those age 1–70 have 60IU of Vitamin D per day, and adults over 70 800IU per day Food sources of vitamin D include fish, eggs, cheese and fortified milk and orange juice. We MUST have adequate Vitamin D in our body to maintain bone health and to heal fractures. Protection against sun exposure must be balanced against the necessary benefits of Vitamin D production.

More more information, visit:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000344.htm
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000360.htm

UV Index Scale

The UV Index scale used in the United States conforms with international guidelines for UVI reporting established by the World Health Organization. What follows is a description of each UV Index level. Source: EPA Sunwise Program

2 or less: Low A UV Index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun's UV rays for the average person:

Wear sunglasses on bright days. In winter, reflection off snow can nearly double UV strength.
If you burn easily, cover up and use sunscreen.

3 - 5: Moderate A UV Index reading of 3 to 5 means moderate risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.

Take precautions, such as covering up, if you will be outside.
Stay in shade near midday when the sun is strongest.

6 - 7: High A UV Index reading of 6 to 7 means high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Apply a sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15. Wear a wide-brim hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Protection against sunburn is needed.
Reduce time in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

8 - 10: Very High A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Minimize sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Protect yourself by liberally applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Wear protective clothing and sunglasses to protect the eyes.

Take extra precautions. Unprotected skin will be damaged and can burn quickly.
Minimize sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Otherwise, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

11+: Extreme A UV Index reading of 11 or higher means extreme risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Try to avoid sun exposure during midday hours, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 liberally every 2 hours.

Take all precautions. Unprotected skin can burn in minutes. Beachgoers should know that white sand and other bright surfaces reflect UV and will increase UV exposure.
Try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen.

Sunscreen Labeling

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently passed a rule banning the terms "sunblock" and "waterproof" from sunscreen labels, saying those claims are misleading. Starting next year, sunscreen makers may use the term "water resistant" as long as they indicate the how long the protection lasts after swimming.

The new rules also ensure that all sunscreens that claim to be "broad spectrum"—meaning protects against sunburn as well as cancer or premature aging—pass a standardized test for both UVA and UVB protection. And protection from UVA and UVB rays must increase in proportion to increases in SPF levels.

Until these new rules make it to products on store shelves, consumers should check to make sure the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB and has an SPF value of 15 or higher. Consumers should also reapply sunscreen every two hours for the best protection as well as after having been in the water.

EPA Sunwise Kids

It's fun to play in the sun, but did you know that too much sun can be bad for you? If you ever had sunburn, you have felt some of the bad effects of too much sun and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Too many UV rays can cause more serious health effects too, such as skin cancer; older looking skin, and other skin problems; cataracts and other eye damage; and weakening of the immune system. (The immune system is what keeps us from getting sick.) Children need sun protection education since too much sun when you are young may lead to skin cancer later in life. Visit Sunwise Kids

Related Websites of Interest

National Cancer Institute	Skin Cancer Foundation	American Academy of Dermatology

National Health Observances

Health observances are special days, weeks, or months used to raise awareness of important health topics. Examples include World AIDS Day or the Great American Smokeout.

This health observance sponsored in part by:

This health observance was reviewed by: Allison Holm, MD

Dr. Holm graduated from the State University of New York at Binghamton and received her medical degree with honors from the University of Rochester. Dr. Holm completed two years of pediatric training at the University of Rochester before starting her residency in dermatology. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Dermatology and a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and Society for Pediatric Dermatology. She has an appointment to the faculty of the University of Rochester as a Clinical Instructor in Dermatology and Pediatrics.