Sun Exposure


Nearly all skin cancer can be prevented.

 

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Maine. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer but is much less common than other types of skin cancer.

 

  • The rate of melanoma in Maine has tripled since the 1990s.
  • The average age of people who have melanoma is early 40’s.
  • Almost 50 people die every year from melanoma.

 

What is skin cancer?

 

Cancer that forms in tissues of the skin. 

 

What causes skin cancer?

 

Excessive exposure to the sun causes most skin cancers. Several sunburns before the age of 20 have been linked with melanoma.

 

Click here for a link to pictures of melanoma.  

 

Are there other risk factors?

 

-  Light skin color, hair color, or eye color
-  Certain types of moles, or a large number of moles
-  Freckles, which indicate sun sensitivity and sun damage
-  History of sun burns early in life
-  Family history of skin cancer
-  Personal history of skin cancer
-  Chronic exposure to the sun
-  Age
-  Gender
-  Weakened immune system
 

Tips on checking your skin—early detection is important!

 

·        Examine your skin regularly

·        Use full length and handheld mirrors to help view areas that are difficult to see

·        If you find odd-looking moles or markings, or any changes in your skin, it could be skin cancer. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you find off looking moles or markings, or any changes in your skin.

 

ABCs of Sun Safety

 

Avoid unprotected exposure to the sun, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest.

 

Block out the sun by using sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher, and reapplying every two hours. Don’t forget your ears neck, hands, and feet.

 

Cover your body with long pants and long sleeved shirts. Wear a broad- brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV-protection lenses.

 

Don’t be fooled by the myth that tanning beds are safer than the sun.

·        Exposure to UV radiation in tanning booths is more directed and can lead to skin damage.

·        Repeated exposure to UV radiation from tanning booths can lead to skin cancer.

·        Tanning in fact causes premature wrinkling to the skin.