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Wellness director talks about skin cancer protection
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At Allen House in Atlantic, Carla Stortenbecker, Wellness director, talked about “Skin Cancer Protection,” referring to an article in the facility’s Assisted Living Concepts, Inc., publication.
Stortenbecker explained, “Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the nation with over one million new cases reported annually. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and the incidence is rising worldwide. Skin cancers are most likely to occur in those with fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, freckles or tendency of skin to burn in sunlight. A person’s increased risk factor is a family history of skin cancer. Certain environmental exposures are known to play a role in the development of skin cancer, including excessive toxins (chimney soot, tar), ionizing radiation, and certain types of warts.
Over exposure
Stortenbecker warned, “The most prevalent source of damage leading to the development of skin cancer is a person’s cumulative sunlight exposure. What about tanning? Many tanners don’t realize their tan may be a sign of damage and possible things to come-wrinkles, cancer, and surgery. Because sun exposure is highly modifiable, sun protection is an important intervention that can significantly decrease a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.”
Sunlight necessary
She said many medical reports stress that certain amounts of sunlight are necessary. Without sunlight, life would cease to exit on this planet. It is important not to avoid the sun completely by staying indoors and being inactive.
Smart measures can be used to enjoy the outdoors with minimal risk. Enjoy outdoor activities, whenever possible, during off-peak sun hours before 10 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Whenever possible, look for shade or use an umbrella. A common misconception among people is that they are safe on a cloudy or cool day. Some of the worst sunburns occur on these days because people have a false sense of security sunbathing. Skiing is particularly risky because snow reflects 80 percent of the sun’s rays, compounding the exposure.
She said, “Clothing and a hat should be first in line as a personal sun protection measure. Clothing can protect a person from the sun’s damaging rays. Since clothing can’t solve everything, sunscreen is the next barrier against the sun’s rays. We should also become familiar with the marks on our bodies and examine ourselves regularly for indications of possible skin cancers. Check with a dermatologist upon finding a suspicious mark or mole. Keep in mind that no sunscreen offers complete protection against UV light and not all sunscreens are created equal.”
Stortenbecker explained, “Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the nation with over one million new cases reported annually. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and the incidence is rising worldwide. Skin cancers are most likely to occur in those with fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair, freckles or tendency of skin to burn in sunlight. A person’s increased risk factor is a family history of skin cancer. Certain environmental exposures are known to play a role in the development of skin cancer, including excessive toxins (chimney soot, tar), ionizing radiation, and certain types of warts.
Over exposure
Stortenbecker warned, “The most prevalent source of damage leading to the development of skin cancer is a person’s cumulative sunlight exposure. What about tanning? Many tanners don’t realize their tan may be a sign of damage and possible things to come-wrinkles, cancer, and surgery. Because sun exposure is highly modifiable, sun protection is an important intervention that can significantly decrease a person’s risk of developing skin cancer.”
Sunlight necessary
She said many medical reports stress that certain amounts of sunlight are necessary. Without sunlight, life would cease to exit on this planet. It is important not to avoid the sun completely by staying indoors and being inactive.
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She said, “Clothing and a hat should be first in line as a personal sun protection measure. Clothing can protect a person from the sun’s damaging rays. Since clothing can’t solve everything, sunscreen is the next barrier against the sun’s rays. We should also become familiar with the marks on our bodies and examine ourselves regularly for indications of possible skin cancers. Check with a dermatologist upon finding a suspicious mark or mole. Keep in mind that no sunscreen offers complete protection against UV light and not all sunscreens are created equal.”
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