Skin Cancer Protection is Vital During the Summer Months

by Marjorie McAtee Exposure to UV rays is one of the leading causes of skin cancer. Learn about using skin protection in the summer, when exposure is most likely. Skin cancer, or melanoma, often occurs as the result of over-exposure to harmful UV rays. Exposure is more likely during the summer months, when most people spend more time outdoors. Skin cancer protection during these months can be crucial to preventing melanoma. Prevent over-exposure to UV rays during the summer months. Clothing Blocks UV Rays Summer is the time when most people want to be outdoors, soaking up the sun. It might well be impossible to prevent all exposure to sunlight and UV rays, and, in any case, a total lack of sunlight could cause health problems of its own. On the other hand, soaking up too many rays could cause skin cancer. One of the best ways to keep UV rays from reaching the skin is to wear protective clothing. Not all clothing provides the same amount of UV protection, however. Light fabrics often allow some UV rays to penetrate to the skin. Dark colors offer the most protection, and so do tightly woven fabrics. Long sleeves, long skirts and long trousers offer more protection than short garments, since they cover more of the body's surface. Sun-protective clothing is specially designed to offer maximum protection against UV rays. These garments are generally tightly woven. Chemical treatments allow the fabric to block more of the sun's harmful rays. Use Sun Cream Wisely Sun cream should have an SPF, or sun protection factor, of at least 15 to protect properly against UV rays. Broad-spectrum sun creams protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Check the expiration date before using sun cream, or throw it out after two years. Sun cream should usually be applied about 30 minutes before sun exposure. Apply generously to the face, ears, hands, and any other areas exposed to the sun. Re-apply every two hours or after swimming. Waterproof sun creams generally protect for 80 minutes in the water, but water-resistant creams protect for only 40 minutes in the water. Sun Hats and Sunglasses Protect the Face, Head and Eyes A sun hat can protect the forehead, ears, eyes, nose, lips, face and scalp. The brim should be a minimum of two or three inches wide, and should reach all the way around the hat. Sunglasses protect the eyes from exposure to UV rays and can prevent some diseases and cancers of the eye. Glasses should block at least 99% of harmful rays. Look for a label that says “100% UV absorption” or “UV absorption to 400 nm.” Sun Cream, Sun Hats and Protective Clothing Work Together to Prevent Skin Cancer The summer months often bring excessive exposure to harmful UV rays. Protective clothing, sun cream, sunglasses and sun hats can help keep UV rays from reaching the skin. While it may not be possible to keep all UV rays from reaching the skin, reducing UV exposure can go a long way toward preventing skin cancer. Sources: “How Do I Protect Myself from UV?” Cancer.org. American Cancer Society, 11 June 2008. Web. 2 June 2010.

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