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You might want to ask yourself, how serious is my sun damage? Have you been sunburned three or more times in your life? Before age 18, did you sunbathe often and regularly? Other questions include do you spend long hours outdoors doing activities or work? And do you get freckles when you've been out in the sun? Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States affectomg around 4.6 million. Melanoma has doubled in the last 30 years and is the fastest rising cancer. In 2020, experts predict 100,350 new cases and about 6,850 deaths are expected. By age 70, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer. Some of the contributing factors are excessive sun exposure, especially childhood sunburn and prevalence of high indoor tanning among teen girls in the late 1990's as contributing factors. Reducing exposure to ultraviolet rays can prevent sunburn and reduce the risk of melanoma. Why are skin cancer rates rising? Depletion of the ozone layer; more leisure time; less clothing worn; earlier sun damage from youth showing up as skin cancer now; fashionable and socially acceptable to be tan and the use of artificial tanning and sun lamps. There is no such thing as a healthy tan according to Eve. Those at risk are those with lighter skin; skin that burns, freckles or reddens; blond colored hair; blue, green or hazel eyes; certain types and large number of moles; family history of skin cancer and older age. The ABCDE's of melanoma are evolving moles or spots changing in recent weeks or months. Eve suggest that we do our own mole patrol monthly; consult with your physician if any of the information applies to sun and early detection has proven a 99% survival rate at five years. The Protective measures are: Sunglasses with UV protection; wear a wide brimmed hate; wear long sleeve shirt (SPF clothing); use broad spectrum sunblock SPF rating of 15 or higher with zinc oxide or titanium oxide or both; non-allergic and immediate reflective protection and many brands have tine to offset white pastiness. Apply liberally and often (1 oz per application and every two hours); avoid reflective surfaces; seek shade in the middle of the day which is from 10 am to 4 pm and avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Eve's presentation was certainly timely and very educational. Consider the affects if you do nothing. Remember, try and take away three items from her presentation.
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