Summer warning: Skin cancer on rise

Here's just more alarming news that should make you
think before your next tanning session.

Sunless tanning is looking better all the time!

Lexington Herald-Leader 05/13/2006
Summer warning: Skin cancer on rise
By Paul Wenske
KNIGHT RIDDER NEWS SERVICE

As Americans shed their winter doldrums and embrace
the sun, experts are warning of a significant increase in
skin cancers and potentially deadly melanomas:

*The American Academy of Dermatology last month
reported an epidemic-like rise in skin cancers afflicting
more young people. Those warnings come on the heels
of lawsuits alleging that sunscreen makers have misled
consumers with exaggerated claims of skin protection.

Criticism also is growing about marketing efforts aimed
at persuading young people that they can get safer tans
in salons.

* Mayo Clinic researchers also last month reported that
one in five Americans will develop skin cancer -- and the
risk doubles after five or more sunburns.

* Mayo researchers also said women younger than 40
were experiencing tripling rates of basal cell cancers and
quadrupling rates of squamous cell cancers, treatable
diseases that historically have affected patients older
than 50.

* Melanoma, a potentially fatal skin cancer that can spread
throughout the body, also is on the rise. Researchers saw
60,000 new melanoma cases last year -- at a time when
other types of cancer declined. Last year, more of the
8,000 melanoma deaths included people younger than 20.

Makers of sunscreens say their products provide adequate
protection, and a national spokesman for tanning salons says
the devices are safe if used in moderation.

But dermatologists and other medical experts say there still
is a need for a coordinated national education campaign to
address the growing problem of skin cancer, one that includes
examining environmental threats that are reducing the ozone
layer, which filters harmful rays.

"At this rate, it's going to get worse rather than better," said
Debra Smith, who specializes in childhood cancers at the
University of Kansas Medical Center. "Some people think
cases are increasing because we are diagnosing it better. But
it's increasing too much for it to just be better diagnosis."
---------------------------------------------------------
How to protect yourself

• Use a generous amount -- about an ounce -- of sunscreen
about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Rays are
strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15
SPF and with "broad spectrum" protection from ultraviolet
A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.

• Wear light protective clothing, including long-sleeve shirts.
Wear a cap, preferably wide-brimmed, to help protect your
face.

• Avoid the overuse of tanning beds, which can also damage
the skin. Consider using a sunless self-tanning product.