Tips For Staying Safe In The Sun

WILTON — When is it OK to be red like a lobster? “Never,” according to Michelle Wolf, Fairfield and Litchfield County area director of cancer control for the American Cancer Society. “A lobster isn’t bright red until it is cooked. And neither are you.”

With appealing text and graphics easily understood by school-age children is the American Cancer Society’s youth awareness campaign for skin cancer prevention, Slip, Slop, Slap! The slogan translates to “slip” on a shirt, “slop” on sunscreen, and “slap” on a hat whenever outdoors.

 In honor of Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, the society is promoting information on skin protection with the goal of educating youth about the damaging effects of sun exposure and provides tips to protect individuals of all ages from sunburn.

American Cancer Society research links sunburns in early childhood with an increased risk of skin cancers later in life. Parents can play a role in protecting the health of their children by practicing the recommended skin protection behaviors.

This year, the ACS estimates nearly 60,000 new cancer cases of melanoma of the skin will occur in the United States, 690 in Connecticut alone. The good news is that nearly all skin cancers can be prevented by limiting unprotected exposure to the sun and can be cured if detected early.

The ACS advice on how to protect people of all ages from the harmful effects of sun exposure includes:

Limit or avoid exposure to the sun between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when UV light is strongest.

Protect skin with clothing, including a long-sleeve shirt and pants, and a hat that shades the face, neck, and ears.

Use sunscreens with a SPF factor of 15 or higher on skin exposed to the sun, particularly when the sunlight is strong. Apply sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going outside so the skin can absorb the protective agents. It should be applied liberally on all sun-exposed skin, particularly face, ears, hands, feet, and neck, and reapplied at least every two hours or after sweating or swimming. Sunscreen, however, is not recommended for infants younger than six months, so keep babies out of direct sunlight and protected with comfortable clothing.

Wear sunglasses to protect the skin around the eyes.

People of all ages should avoid tanning beds and sun lamps, which increase one’s exposure to UV radiation — a major risk factor for skin cancer. Damage from UV radiation is cumulative.

While sunscreens are effective at preventing sunburns, researchers have found that many people erroneously believe sunscreen allows them to stay out in the sun longer. In addition, some people may not be appropriately using sunscreens (i.e., applying sufficient amounts of sunscreen and re-applying it); when sunscreens are inadequately used, their potential effectiveness to prevent sunburns and overexposure to the sun is reduced.

To learn more about the Slip, Slop, Slap! program, sun exposure, melanoma, and early detection, call 800-ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.

 The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. Founded in 1913 and with national headquarters in Atlanta, the society has 14 regional divisions and local offices in 3,400 communities, involving millions of volunteers across the United States.