According to the American Academy of Dermatology, overexposure to the sun can lead to premature aging, such as wrinkles and loss of firmness of the skin. It can also cause a suppressed immune system and cataracts as well as other eye problems.
But the biggest risk is developing skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year. The vast majority can blame the sun's damaging ultraviolet rays. But by taking a few easy precautions, people can cut their risk of sunburns, the skin damage that results from it and their risk of developing skin cancer.
Dr. Mark Oestreicher, chief of dermatology at Bridgeport Hospital, said he believes much of the spike in skin cancer rates have to do with an increasing amount of leisure time. The American Cancer Society says skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the United States.
Most cases fall into two categories named for the type of skin cell that's affected: basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. These cancers tend to appear on sun-exposed skin.
The most severe form of skin cancer is melanoma. If it is recognized and treated early, it is nearly 100 percent curable. But if it is not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. While it is not the most common of the skin cancers, it causes the most deaths, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation Web Site.
Demographics of melanoma are frightening, said Dr. David Pearlstone, a surgical oncologist at Park Avenue Surgical Associates in Trumbull.
"The prevalence of every other cancer continues to decrease, while melanoma deaths have continued increasing since the '60s," said Pearlstone.
The National Cancer Institute reports that 2007 brought an estimated 60,000 new cases of melanoma.
Americans have a one in 74 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, which kills an estimated 7,800 people each year, according to the National Melanoma Awareness campaign. "You don't have to sell your sailboat or quit your golf club. You just have to take the proper precautions," said Pearlstone.
Doctors may disagree on what SPF to use, but one opinion remains the same. Sunscreen must be applied before heading out the door. "I always put sunscreen on my daughter before we leave the house," said Gary Bartlett, a Trumbull resident. "You feel like a bad parent if you forget. It's funny, because I could just use the same sunscreen for myself, but I always neglect to put it on."
People should take a multi-pronged approach to ward off sun damage, said Pearlstone. "It's a lot of common sense stuff," said Pearlstone. "If it makes sense to you, it's probably a good practice. Don't purposely lie in the sun to get a tan, wear long sleeves and an appropriate hat. A baseball cap will not do it. Your ears and neck will still be exposed. Avoid being outside at the peak hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m."
Sunblock needs to be a part of your daily routine, said Pearlstone. It should be in your car, your golf bag, your tennis bag, everywhere.
Pearlstone has a clear rule: "Reapply, reapply, reapply. Two hours, and it's gone," said Pearlstone. "You don't need to use anything more than SPF 15 since the human skin will essentially slough off anything in two hours."
Pearlstone said the brand of the sunscreen is not of importance.
"You can buy the cheap generic brand. Sunscreen does not have to be expensive," said Pearlstone. "It just needs to have UVA and UVB protection."
Oestreicher said that it is important to recognize that you can't just put sunscreen on and go — it takes at least 20 minutes for sunscreen to be absorbed by the skin.
Oestreicher recommends a sunscreen containing zinc or titanium oxide ointment for thorough UVA protection. Oestreicher said he also recommends SunGuard, a laundry detergent that gives clothes UPF 30 protection. There are also certain brands of clothing such as SunSafe and Coolibar that are UV protectant.
Bartlett said he realizes that he should be more aware of the damage he is doing to his skin.
"We're outdoors a lot more during the summer - parks, fairs, zoos," said Bartlett. I probably should be more careful with my skin. There's no reason why I can't use SPF 50 on my skin too."
Bridgeport Hospital's Norma F Pfriem Cancer Institute recently held an event to educate community members on the risks of sun exposure. Informational pamphlets were disseminated, and bags were offered containing sunscreen and a test, "What's your melanoma IQ?"
May was Skin Cancer Awareness Month, said Bridgeport Hospital's Oncology Program Specialist and Oncology Patient Navigator Kim Bielecki. So the Institute took steps to educate the hospital and community about the importance of screenings. With early detection and screening, there is a much better chance for cure."
Dermatological examinations shouldn't be put off, nor should one be afraid to be examined. According to Pearlstone, 95 percent of skin cancers are treatable.
"The medical community should have an obligation to get a message across to the public that we're not here to harm you," said Pearlstone. "Just let us look at you. The earlier skin cancer is found, the better the chance of cure and the smaller the scar." Anyone who has a family history of skin cancer or has light skin, hair, and eyes should be especially mindful of sun exposure, said Pearlstone.
"Anything that's suspicious should be looked at," said Pearlstone.
"If a patch of skin, mole, or birthmark doesn't look like others, it should be of concern. Any changes in skin, especially moles, should be taken seriously. If it changes in color, size, shape, or starts bleeding or itching, a dermatologist should be consulted."
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