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Jul 3, 2009 10:55 pm US/Central
Doctor, Patient Warn Of Dangers Of Too Much Sun
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is blamed for 65 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of other skin cancers.
CBS
Contrary to popular opinion, a person does not get 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure by age 18. Recent research shows it's more likely that 80 percent comes after age 18.
That means everybody needs to think about sun safety if they want to head off skin cancer.
At age 20, Jordan Jelmeland was diagnosed with melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer.
"It was on my neck, it was a mole I had removed," she recalled.
In the 2 and a half years since, she's had 17 more removed, even though she avoids the sun and always uses sunscreen.
"I am pale. I am very white. I've got freckles, reddish hair. So, I'm like the perfect candidate for it," added Jelmeland.
There's a 50 percent chance a person who lives to age 65 will develop skin cancer. More than a million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year, which is more than the next five most common cancers combined.
"The goal with all our skin cancers is to catch them early," said Dermatologist Brian Zelickson.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is blamed for 65 percent of melanomas and 90 percent of other skin cancers. Zelickson says, in his opinion, no form of tanning is safe.
"So, ultraviolet light gets into the cells, it breaks up the DNA and these fragments basically stimulate the cell to produce pigment. The other thing that comes from broken DNA are skin cancers," he explained.
Family history and ethnicity are risk factors out of a person's control. On the other hand, anyone can limit their exposure to UV rays. Avoid mid-day sun, wear hats, sit in the shade and use sunscreen as directed.
Zelikson says sunscreens are effective only if they are strong enough and if it's broad spectrum, meaning it covers both UVA and UVB rays. An average adult is going to need a full ounce to cover their whole body. That's about enough to fill a shot glass.
Jelmeland is now screened by a doctor every 4 to 6 months.
"We look for new moles or moles that are changing in color, shape or size. Moles that have irregularity to them, irregular colors, irregular shape, for scaly red patches that don't go away," said Zelikson.
Jelmeland is on the lookout too.
"Be aware of your body. Watch for things. If you're fair, look at your freckles, look at your moles and watch for changes," she said.
There's been a big concern lately about whether avoiding the sun is causing widespread vitamin D deficiencies.
Zelickson says the risks of skin cancer are scarier, and taking a supplement or drinking vitamin D-fortified milk are safer solutions.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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