This month's focus on wellness is UV safety, and Work Stride: Managing Cancer at Work offers some great tips for staying safe in the sun this summer. It is estimated that this year more than 3 million people will be diagnosed with skin cancer, and more than 70,000 of them will have melanoma, the most deadly form. While scientists are discovering new ways to diagnose, treat, and prevent skin cancers, here are some tips from Johns Hopkins experts to help reduce your risk:
Sunbathers beware: Exposure to the sun for long periods can dramatically increase your risk of developing a skin cancer, especially during the sun's peak hours of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. So-called "base" tans do not offer protection from burns, nor do they extend the "time to burn."
Sunscreen: If you are going to be out in the sun, slather on sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum version that protects against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF 30 or higher, liberally and frequently. Remember that sunless tanning products do not contain enough sunscreen to be protective.
Stay away from tanning beds and sunlamps: Despite manufacturers' claims, no type of UV radiation is safe, and these devices also can impair vision and age the skin prematurely.
Check/examine your skin: Do you have a funny-looking mole, or a history of skin cancer in your family? Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin's surface—even on skin that appears normal. Finding melanoma at an early stage is crucial; early detection can greatly increase your chances for a cure.