Avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays is essential for preventing skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As the CDC recognizes July as UV Safety Awareness Month, the importance of taking precautions while enjoying outdoor activities is emphasized. While spending time outdoors in the summer can enhance physical activity and reduce stress, it also increases the risk of skin damage without proper UV protection.
Preventive Measures for UV Protection
“Wearing sunscreen and protective clothing, even on cloudy days or in the shade, is helpful in preventing skin damage and skin cancer,” stated Dr. James McDonald, New York State Health Commissioner, in a press release by the state Department of Health (DOH) on July 1.
Over-exposure to UV radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma, the most dangerous of the three, poses significant health risks due to its aggressiveness and high mortality rate.
Rising Melanoma Cases in New York
According to CDC data, in 2021, 17.9 per thousand New Yorkers were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin, making it the sixth most common cancer type in the United States that year. A 2023 research article on the Science Reports website highlights melanoma as “the deadliest cancer type owing to its aggressiveness and high mortality rate.”
Melanoma typically begins in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing skin pigment. UV radiation damages the DNA in these cells, potentially leading to cancer. Melanoma can invade deeper skin layers and spread to other body parts “at an alarming rate faster than any other solid tumor.”
Importance of UV Protection
To prevent melanoma and other skin damage, the DOH stresses the importance of avoiding UV exposure. The DOH urges proactive skin protection measures, even during cloudy weather, as clouds do not significantly reduce UV radiation. Additionally, seawater and sand do not shield vacationers from harmful rays.
In observance of UV Awareness Month, the DOH offers the following skin protection recommendations:
Wear Protective Clothing: Opt for wide-brimmed hats, long sleeve shirts, and long pants.
Use Sunglasses: Select sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays to protect the skin around the eyes and reduce the risk of cataracts.
Apply Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) rating of 15 or higher. SPF 15 blocks out 93% of UV rays, while SPF 30 blocks out 97%.
Reapply Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours and after swimming or perspiring. Use one ounce of sunscreen, enough to fill a shot glass, to cover the exposed areas of the body thoroughly.
Avoid Midday Sun: Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Indoor Tanning and Legal Restrictions
Tanning beds and sunlamps emit UV rays as effectively as natural sunlight. New York State Public Health Law prohibits individuals under 17 from using UV tanning devices, including tanning beds, booths, and sun lamps. Studies suggest that such legislation helps reduce the health and economic burden of skin cancer.
Additional Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
The CDC identifies several factors associated with an increased likelihood of developing skin cancer:
1.Having a lighter natural skin color.
2.Having a family history of skin cancer.
3.Having a history of sunburns, especially early in life.
4.Having a history of indoor tanning.
5.Having skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
6.Having blue or green eyes.
By following these protective measures and staying informed, individuals can enjoy the benefits of outdoor activities while minimizing the risks associated with UV exposure and skin cancer.
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