Skin Cancer Special: Stay Safe in the Sun

Rate This:

Avg: 0.00

> There's ovarian cancer in your family. A surprising chromosomal link between this cancer and melanoma seems to exist (scientists are currently looking at a breast cancer link, too). Rosenberg says, "women who have had nonmelanoma skin cancer, and have a family history of cancer, particularly ovarian, should be more vigilant about monthly skin self-exams and annual exams, including doctor-supervised mole checks."

The best prevention tactics
Take these steps to keep a cancer from developing in the first place:

> Use sunscreen religiously Look for this key wording: broad-spectrum protection (read the label to be sure), which means it protects against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVA is thought to be responsible for premature aging of the skin (which shows up as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots) and UVB for changes that can lead to skin cancer. Until recently, lotions have not been able to supply lasting protection for UVA: avobenzone (also called Parsol 1789), a key chemical sunscreen for UVA seems to lose its effectiveness quickly in the sun. "After two hours, the protection was gone," explains Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center in New York City, and a member of Shape's editorial advisory board. Now, stabilizers and other laboratory tinkering have made the skin-saver last longer, up to four hours or maybe more, he estimates. Reapplying sooner helps ensure you're covered.
Physical sunscreens titanium dioxide and zinc oxide also block both UVA and UVB, and do it as well as ones with avobenzone and oxybenzone, another common UVA sunscreen. Formulas that contain only one or the other of these natural minerals as active ingredients are gentler and good choices for sensitive skin including rosacea (or for small children) but they don't adhere to skin as well as chemical sunscreens do. This means they must be reapplied after contact with water, no matter what the label says, explains Robert Weiss, M.D., associate professor in the department of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD. "Chemical sunscreens bind to proteins in the top, dead layers of skin, making them more water and sweat resistant."

> Be extra diligent if you workout outside A German study showed that sweat increases skin's likelihood of burning. "Perspiration makes skin more photosensitive," explains Adams. "Outdoor athletes should use SPF 30 or higher, and reapply after 30 to 40 minutes of intense exercise even if the product is labeled sweat resistant," he advises.

> Choose your best formula A creamy lotion, a double duty SPF self-tanner, a fast-drying spray, a goes-anywhere compact -- is the one you're most likely to use, often, so trust your instinct when you scan the shelves. Choose at least SPF 15 for intermittent sun exposure and SPF 30 when you'll be out longer, says Adams.
Protect skin after the sun Even with the best sunscreen, it's impossible to block out 100 percent of UV rays. The little that gets through still harms skin, setting off a deep-reaching inflammatory response that breaks down collagen and contributes to premature skin aging. "Antioxidants help stop inflammation that leads to collagen breakdown," says Weiss. But no one antioxidant can zap all the damage; a multi-pronged approach is your best defense. Weiss suggests choosing daily skincare for face and body with polyphenols, which are also anti-inflammatory (green tea is one with best research behind it), vitamin C and a form of vitamin A (like retinol).

Making sense of skin cancer
When you do your monthly skin self-exam, the ABCDs (Asymmetry, irregular Borders, unusual Color variations and Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser) will help you spot them. (Consider also "E" for evolving -- be concerned if a mark changes over time.) Alert your doctor right away about any suspicious findings. Here's a closer look:

Basal Cell Carcinoma:
Shows up at the bottom of the epidermis (the outer-most layer of skin). These slow-growing cancers tend to develop on sun-exposed areas like the face, lips, ears, chest and hands. They often appear as a small red or pink or pearly bump, or a sore that won't heal.