Protect Your Skin—

Health Officials Warn About Most Prevalent Form Of Cancer

HARTFORD — As summer approaches, Connecticut’s Department of Public Health reminds the public of the dangers of skin cancer and to protect skin while enjoying the outdoors. The DPH joined the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention and other health organizations in kicking off a skin cancer prevention initiative the Friday before Memorial Day — “Don’t Fry Day” — to highlight sun safety.

“As warm weather approaches and more people enjoy the outdoors, the risk for ultraviolet (UV) damage of the skin increases,” said DPH Commissioner Jewel Mullen, MD. “While outside enjoying the nice weather, it is important to take simple steps like putting on sunscreen and wearing protective clothing to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Protecting your skin not only helps prevent skin damage, it also helps prevent skin cancer.”

According to federal health officials, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and the most common cancer among 20- to 30-year-olds. It is estimated that one American dies every hour from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

In Connecticut, there were 930 cases of malignant melanoma diagnosed in 2009, and 100 deaths from the disease.

State health officials encourage Connecticut residents to protect their skin to help reduce rates of skin cancer from overexposure to the sun’s UV rays. Because no single step can fully protect individuals from overexposure to UV radiation, DPH suggests following the tips below as possible:

*Avoid sunburning, intentional tanning, and using indoor tanning. Use sunless self-tanning products instead.

*Apply sunscreen generously (SPF 15 or higher and containing both UVA and UVB protection is recommended)

*Wear sun-protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses

*Seek shade, especially during midday hours

*Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand due to reflection

*Get vitamin D safely through food and vitamin D supplements

Individuals with lighter-toned skin are more susceptible to UV damage, although people of all races and ethnicities can be at risk for skin cancer. Those who have a family history of skin cancer, plenty of moles or freckles, or a history of severe sunburns early in life are at a higher risk of skin cancer.

Locally, the Praxair Cancer Center at Danbury Hospital will offer a free skin cancer screening on Tuesday, June 19, and Wednesday, June 20, from 6 to 8 pm. The skin cancer screenings will be conducted by Western Connecticut Health Network affiliated dermatologists and other clinical and allied health staff.

Screening registration takes place on a first-come, first-served basis; closing each evening at 7:45 pm. Screening participants must park in the Red Parking Garage on Locust Avenue, and enter through the Stroock Building, first floor Main Entrance.

To minimize the harmful effects of excessive and unprotected sun exposure, state health officials advise that protection from intense UV radiation should be a lifelong practice for everyone.

Fortunately, skin cancer can be prevented and is highly curable if found early. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.

For more information, visit the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention website at www.skincancerprevention.org or call 301-801-4422.

For more information on the Danbury Hospital screening program, visit WesternConnecticutHealthNetwork.org or call 800-482-1387.