Slip, slop, slap, wrap

Published 9:48 pm Saturday, February 26, 2011

Most people think of using sunscreen only when they’re headed to the beach in July.

However, the American Cancer Society is urging people to use sunscreen and cover up any time they’re outside — whether it’s hot or not.

The society — which will hold the Suffolk Rockin’ Relay for Life May 13-14 — recommends the “Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap” method of sun protection. Folks are encouraged to slip on a shirt, slop on 15 SPF or higher sunscreen, slap on a hat and wrap on sunglasses before going out in the sun.

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All the extra protection goes a long way in preventing skin cancer, said American Cancer Society community manager Anne Barclay.

“It is the most common of all the cancers, and it’s so easily preventable,” Barclay said.

About 40 percent of all cancers are some form of skin cancer, Barclay said.

Spending a lot of time in the sun without proper protection is a major factor in skin cancer, Barclay added. In particular, parents should avoid allowing their children spend time in the sun when they are young, and white people — especially those with fair skin or freckles — are at higher risk than those with darker complexions.

“It’s important to keep children out of the sun early, because when they have severe sunburn it can increase their chances of skin cancer later,” Barclay said.

Of course, spending time outdoors is part of a healthy, active life. And avoiding the sun doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get skin cancer.

Just like some people who get lung cancer have never smoked, Barclay said, some who get skin cancer have never been sun-worshipers.

However, “the majority of cases are from a lack of sun protection and from tanning beds,” she said.

People can lower their risk of skin cancer by observing the following tips:

• Cover as much skin as possible when you’re out in the sun.

• Wear sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. The SPF number represents the level of protection against UVB rays. A higher number means more protection.

• Use one ounce of sunscreen — about a palmful — to cover your arms, legs, neck and face. Reapply every two hours, or more if you are swimming or sweating.

• Don’t skip sunscreen just because it is overcast. UV light still comes through on hazy days.

• Wear a hat with at least a 2-3 inch brim all around to protect your neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose and scalp.

• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays, preferably wrap-around sunglasses.

• Limit direct sun exposure during midday. UV rays are most intense between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. They give out UVA and, frequently, UVB rays. Both can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends that people try bronzing lotions or self-tanning creams instead.

Most skin cancers, even the most serious types, can be treated successfully if detected early. Melanomas often start as small, mole-like growths that increase in size, change color, become ulcerated and bleed easily from a slight injury. If you observe any of the following “ABCDs” on your moles, see a doctor promptly.

• Asymmetry — If one half of the mole does not match the other, have it checked.

• Border — Borders that are ragged, notched or blurred are cause for concern.

• Color — Color and pigmentation should be the same throughout the mole.

• Diameter — Any sudden or progressive increase in size should warrant a trip to the doctor.