The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention Encourages Everyone to Protect Your Skin Today and Every Day

PRNewswire -- As millions of Americans prepare to enjoy the great outdoors Memorial Day weekend, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention reminds everyone to practice sun-safe behaviors - pack those wide-brimmed hats in the suitcase. The incidence of melanoma (the most fatal of skin cancers) continues to rise significantly, at a rate faster than any of the seven most common cancers.(1) In an effort to raise awareness about a health issue that is largely preventable: skin cancer, the Council is naming the Friday before Memorial Day Don't Fry Day.

"Many people believe skin cancer occurs after a lifetime of exposure, and yet, melanoma is the second most common form of cancer for young adults 15-29 years of age(2)," says Henry Lim, MD, Council co-chair. "In the last 30 years, the number of women under age 40 diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma has more than doubled while the squamous cell carcinoma rate has also increased significantly."(3)

"Any change in your skin, whether burned or slightly tanned, is a sign of UV damage," says Drusilla Hufford, former Council co-chair. "The good news is: you can protect yourself and your family members from skin cancer's main cause: too much sun. In the same way we teach kids to wear bike helmets, we can also teach them to wear wide-brimmed hats."

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers in the United States. More people will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined. Whether from the sun or an artificial light source, ultraviolet radiation is a carcinogen. According to a recent study, in 2006, in the 116 largest (most populous) U.S. cities, there were, on average, more tanning salons than there were Starbucks® coffee shops.(4)

Here are some simple ways to be safe in the sun. Remember, Slip, Slop, Slap®... and Wrap(5) and plan activities away from the midday sun:

- Slip on a shirt;
- Slop on sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher);
- Slap on a hat; and

- Wrap on sunglasses to protect the eyes and sensitive skin around them from ultraviolet light.

For more information, including additional statistics and other resources, visit the Council's site: http://www.skincancerprevention.org/ The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention is the united voice of 45 groups dedicated to reducing skin cancer morbidity and mortality in the U.S. Council members represent some of the nation's premier researchers, clinicians and advocates for melanoma and skin cancer prevention.

1. LAG Ries, D Melbert, M Krapcho, A Mariotto, BA Miller, EJ Feuer, L Clegg, MJ Horner, N Howlader, MP Eisner, M Reichman, BK Edwards (eds). National Cancer Institute, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2004: http://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2004/.

2. U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute. "Cancer Epidemiology in Older Adolescents & Young Adults," Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results AYA Monograph (2007): 53-63.

3. LJ Christenson, TA Borrowman, CM Vachon, MM Tollefson, CC Otley, AL Weaver, RK Roenigk. "Incidence of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas in a population younger than 40 years," JAMA (2005): 294: 681-690.

4. Katherine D. Hoerster, Rebecca L. Garrow, Joni A. Mayer, Elizabeth J. Clapp, John R. Weeks, Susan I. Woodruff, James F. Sallis, Donald J. Slymen, Minal R. Patel, Stephanie A. Sybert. "Density of Indoor Tanning Facilities in 116 Large U.S. Cities," American Journal of Preventive Medicine, no. 36 (March 2009): 3, 243-246: http://www.ajpm-online.net/article/PIIS0749379708009756/abstract.

5. Slip, Slop, Slap® is a registered trademark of the American Cancer Society.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
Follow us on Twitter:  @GAFrontPage

Prevent Fall Bleacher Burn

(ARA) - Many Americans’ favorite sports occur in the fall, encouraging individuals to spend more time outdoors free of summer’s scorching heat. But while the weather may seem cooler, many regions of the country continue to experience high ultraviolet indexes throughout the fall. In fact, even on gray, cloudy days, as much as 80 percent of UV rays can pass through the clouds.

Spectators, athletes and outdoor enthusiasts alike need to protect their skin from the unintentional damage they can receive while enjoying fall activities. Sun protection is especially important when spending significant time outside during sports games, hiking and other outdoor activities.

It’s a myth that the need for sun protection stops when fall starts. “Year-round sun protection is an important mindset to adopt in order to prevent premature skin damage that can lead to wrinkles, sun spots and some types of skin cancer,” says Dr. Elizabeth Hale, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the New York University School of Medicine. “I always recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen anytime people are outdoors to help protect against both UVA and UVB rays. While UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are especially abundant in the warm summer months, UVA rays are present year-round and can pass through clouds and windows. Sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats remain important methods to protect from overexposure during the cooler fall and winter months.”

“Coppertone’s Sport Faces SPF 50 Lotion and Sport Continuous Spray SPF 70+
are among the many Coppertone products that provide broad spectrum protection across the UVB and UVA range,” says Dr. Patricia Agin of the Coppertone Solar Research Center. To help protect against fall and winter sun damage, Dr. Agin recommends following these five suncare tips:

* Protect your Face – While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.

* Don’t Forget the Hands – If you aren’t wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.

* You’re Never “Above” Damaging Sun Rays – Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun’s rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8 to 10 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptible to “goggle burn” as the snow reflects 80 percent of UV rays.

* Be Sun Smart – UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it’s important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.

* Make Sunscreen a “Family Affair” – Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone “Sun IQ” survey, 82 percent of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45 percent were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathroom and next to the door for easy, on-the-go application.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
Community News You Can Use
Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Sun Protection: What You Need To Know

(NAPSI)-Ask the experts which days it's most important to wear sun protection and the answer you will hear is: Every single day of the year.

Although it is critical to protect your skin while playing summer sports or when going to the beach, it's also crucial to wear sunscreen during the fall, winter and spring months to help protect against skin cancer.

Just because you don't feel the heat of the sun doesn't mean harmful rays are not doing damage. A daily moisturizing lotion that includes an adequate amount of sunscreen should be applied on cloudy days as well as sunny ones, especially when taking part in winter sports such as skiing, ice skating or mountaineering since snow reflects damaging UV light.

"Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, diagnosed in 1.4 million people annually of all races," says dermatologist Jeanine Downie, M.D. "Skin cancer is also the most preventable and curable form of cancer if it is detected early."

That's why dermatologists say it's so important to protect your skin on a daily basis, regardless of your skin color, and to get a yearly skin check by a dermatologist to prevent skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, skin cancer is among the fastest-growing cancers in the U.S. However, 40 percent of people admit that they never use sunscreen, and only 11 percent use an SPF of 15 or higher daily. For maximum protection, doctors now recommend products with SPF 30 or higher and one that offers broad-spectrum and photostable UV protection.

Traditional sunscreens break down once they are exposed to UV rays, but those with a photostabilizing technology don't break down as quickly.

Sunscreen lotions such as Aveeno Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 55 with a photostabilizing technology can protect the skin from the sun's harmful rays throughout the seasons.

For more information, visit skincancer.org or aveeno.com.

------
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Daily Tips To Protect The Skin You're In

(NAPSI)-While most people recognize the importance of applying sunscreen at the beach or the pool, many don't realize the value in wearing sun protection every day of the year.

Experts say about 80 percent of a person's sun exposure occurs during daily activities-walking to the car, sitting in front of a window-and that one year of incidental sun exposure is like spending a week at the beach without sunscreen.

To keep skin healthy and protected throughout the day, incorporate a moisturizer that contains SPF into your daily skin care routine, as hydration and sun protection are key elements for maintaining healthy skin.

Skin that is dry may be unable to perform its primary function, which is to protect your body from environmental damage, such as free radicals, pollutants and the sun's UV rays.

Additionally, skin that is dry has a difficult time renewing itself from sun damage, leaving it vulnerable to premature aging, including wrinkles and age spots.

Look for a nongreasy moisturizer with sunscreen, such as Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15, which combines the natural moisturizing benefits of colloidal oatmeal to soothe dry skin with Active Photobarrier Complex, a sun-protection technology that is specifically engineered to deliver very high, very broad and photo-stable UVA and UVB protection.

The moisturizer also contains rich emollients that provide 24- hour moisturization, leaving skin soft, smooth and healthy looking.

-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page

Teaming Up To Prevent Skin Cancer

NAPSI-With more than 1 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year, people could be doing more to protect themselves.

In addition to applying sunscreen, there are a few quick, easy steps everyone can take to prevent the incidence of this disease.

One important precautionary step is performing monthly self-examinations.”Self-examination is an extremely simple and effective tool, yet highly neglected by most Americans,” said Dr. Darrel S. Rigel, Clinical Professor of Dermatology at New York University Medical Center. Coupled with an annual visit to your dermatologist for a full-body skin cancer screening, monthly self-examinations are the best way to help prevent and detect skin cancer.

When performing a self-examination, do so in front of the mirror, paying close attention to the areas of your body directly exposed to the sun, including your face, arms and legs as well as your hands and trunk, which are also susceptible to harmful sun exposure that can lead to skin cancer.

Dermatologists recommend keeping track of your moles, freckles and birthmarks, noting any changes in shape, size or color and the appearance of any other visible irregularities.

According to dermatologists, performing a self-examination is simple when keeping the ABCD rule in mind:

• A is for ASYMMETRY: Onehalf of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.

• B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.

• C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of red, white or blue.

• D is for DIAMETER: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ? inch-the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing larger.

In the event that you do notice any changes, you should consult your dermatologist right away.

In addition to an avoiding the sun, an important first line of defense against skin cancer is sun protection. Choosing the right product and applying it on a daily basis continues to be a must. Also, consumers should opt for products that contain a stabilizing technology like Helioplex offering superior protection against UVA rays, as well as high SPFs that protect against UVB rays, such has Neutrogena’s New Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 85 with Helioplex.

By practicing sun-safe habits and by visiting your dermatologist once a year, you can reduce your risk of skin cancer.

For more information, visit www.NeutrogenaSkinHealth.com.

When choosing sun protection, don’t just look for the SPF factor. It’s important to find a product that offers both UVA and UVB protection.