a © "ither press >>> FEATURES continued from page 23 category called psoralens). Obviously long-term exposure to the sun is the leading cause of sun-related cancer. Therefore, the major focus of any sun- smart campaign is to warn people to reduce exposure to the sun. It is important to remember that the effects of sun-exposure are cumulative, and a childhood sunburn may be the precursor to a cancerous growth of future years. Recognition of Skin Cancer There are three general types of sun-related skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous Cell carcinoma, or melanoma. Basal cell cancer is the most common and occurs in the top . layers of the skin. Although it does not usually grow or spread, and is generally considered harmless, it is important to recog- nize and monitor such spots. Basal cancerous cells appear as raised and mostly round red, red-grey, or pearly coloured spots. Squamous cell cancers appear as odd, shaped blemishes or raised growths that have a wound that won't heal. If not treated these blemishes can grow into larger, crusting sores. They usually develop in areas of the body that have been damaged by the sun, and usually over a previous blemish or freckle. This type of cancer if treated early can be cleared from the body. It is most dangerous if it develops on mucous membranes such as the lip, nose, or eyelids. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Melanoma is reported in only 4 per cent of all skin cancers; however, of those 4 per cent, nearly 80 per cent are fatal. Malignant melanoma appears as a mole, freckle or blemish which begins to bleed, change shape, colour, and texture. If not treated early, it can spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma presents the great- est challenge to skin-cancer researchers. The relationship between sunlight and malignant melanoma is not entirely under- stood, and there are several benign forms of melanoma, which are not fatal. With this type of cancer, the focus is on early recognition and treatment. Reducing the Risk Dermatologists from Cancer Associations suggest the follow- ing four steps to reduce the risk of skin cancers: reduce exposure, wear protective clothing, use sunscreen, check skin regularly. Reducing exposure means limiting activities in the sun to early morning or late afternoon. It also means be aware that different surfaces such as water, sand and snow reflect up to 85 per cent of sunlight, leading to secondary exposure. The most intense time of the day to be in the sun is between noon and 4:00 pm. Protective clothing means wide-brim hats (sorry, baseball caps don’t cut it), sunglasses, and clothes with tightly woven fabric. Tight weave, or heavy cottons rank among the best clothing to wear in the sun, and studies have shown that a medium shade of blue is a better colour in the sun than white because it provides a cooling effect and greater reflection of light. The best sunglasses are form-fitting, reducing the light that enters the eye from above, below, or sides of the frames. The best lenses are polarized and rated as having UVA and UVB protection. The recommended sunscreen should have a rating of at least SPF15 that provides protection against UVA and B. When shopping for a sunscreen, look for a CDA label (Canadian Dermatological Association). The best protection against the sun is sunblock, which contains titanium dioxide (from my experience lifeguarding outdoors, | have never burned while using Banana Boat Sport SPF30 with Titanium Dioxide) and all sunblocks will be labelled as such. The biggest difference between sunscreen and sunblock are the chemicals in the product. Most sunscreens contain para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), which absorbs the UV-radiation, protecting the skin. Sunblock contains chemicals such as titanium dioxide, which block most of the sun’s rays from even getting into the skin. Depending on the activity, sunscreen may have to be reapplied frequently. Swimming, or activity which causes perspiration may require sunscreen to be reapplied as often as every thirty minutes. Dermatologists claim that Canadians are using sunscreen, but not using it as effectively as they could. Sunscreen should be applied twenty to forty minutes before venturing out into the sun. Don’t be shy of applying liberal amounts of sunscreen and remember to reapply at least once every two hours. Finally, not to scare you or cater to the hypochondriac, but be sure to keep watch on your skin and how it changes, especially if you are an outdoor-type person or spend a lot of time in tanning beds. Consulting a physician about aberrations in your skin may mean the difference between having a mole removed, or death. UV INDEX INDEX ae : fini RATING Definition of Rating 0-2 Most people can stay in the sun for up to one hour during peak Minimal (hours, without burning. 3-4 Fair-skinned people can burn in less than 20 minutes. Loss Everyone should use sunscreen and wear long sleeves and long pants 54 Fair-skinned people can burn in less than 20 minutes. Moderate Everyone should use sunscreen and wear long sleeves and long pants. Fair-skinned people can burn in less than 10 minutes. Everyone should minimize their sun exposure from 10 am to 4 pm. 7-9 ; rales High Apply sunscreen often, wear sunscreen and clothing with tightly woven fabric—UV rays can pass through the spaces of loosely knit clothes. Fair-skinned people can burn in less than five minutes. 10+ Everyone should apply suncreen at regular intervals and avoid Very High being in the sun as much as possible. Wear a wide brim hat and sunglasses, with long sleeve shirts and sunscreen.