Hello North Shore,
As we enter into the summer months of the year, the sunshine can feel wonderful, lift spirits, and be relaxing to enjoy, scouts and families are preparing for summer camp. As time marches on for each of us, so do the effects of our time in the sun. May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month and I would like to once again impress upon the importance of sun safety.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide.
Are You Protected? Knowledge is Your Best Defense.
You may now be asking who am I to talk about cancer. Cancer has taken from me, 3 grandparents, several uncles, aunts and cousins, and almost my mother, twice all by the age of 55. I have seen first hand the physical and emotional impacts it has on families. Furthermore my spouse is a family physician and over her career I have indirectly seen/experienced how much Skin Cancer has impacted lives of friends and families. A middle aged man scarred for live because of his continuous exposure to sun burns from when he was a scout. A newborn losing her mother just months after she was born. Skin Cancer is a nasty disease and it is agnostic to race, skin color and age.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, melanoma accounts for up to 3% of all pediatric cancers, with 90% of pediatric melanoma cases occurring in patients between the ages of 10 and 19. A recent study published in the Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention journal showed that people who experienced five or more blistering sunburns between ages 15 and 20 had an 80 percent higher melanoma risk, but just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. Sunburns, caused by UVB rays, which damage the skin’s cellular DNA, greatly increase the risk of melanoma. Melanoma is the most common skin cancer in patients 20 years and younger.
Lastly, no matter your skin type, UV radiation from the sun and other sources can cause dangerous, lasting damage to your skin. This means that people of any ethnic background, even those who always tan or rarely burn, can still get skin cancer.
Sunburn risks to you
- People who work or play sports outdoors have a greater risk of frequent sunburns that can result in skin cancer. You should always limit your exposure to the sun.
- Men age 49 and under have a higher probability of developing melanoma than any other cancer.
- From ages 15 to 39, men are 55 percent more likely to die of melanoma than women in the same age group
Sun damage is cumulative.
- Skin damage builds up over time starting with your very first sunburn
- The more you burn, the greater your risk of skin cancer
- Subsequent UV damage can occur even when there is no obvious burn
- 23 percent of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18
- Even a brief exposure to radiation is very dangerous; one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life
- Five or more sunburns more than doubles your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma
- The sun causes an estimated 90 percent of skin aging.
I know that every leader in this district believes that the safety of our youth and members are paramount. With the summer approaching I am asking you all to be extra diligent, to set the example and make sun protection a way of life.
Protect yourself every day, even when it’s cloudy. No matter how mild, every burn is a sign of injury to your skin that can result in premature aging and skin cancer.
Don’t feel the burn!
The Five S’s of Sun Safety
1. SLIP ON A T-SHIRT
- Clothing can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun
- Clothing should cover as much skin as possible
- Always keep shoulders covered that can easily burn
- A closer weave will provide more protection
- A high UPF rated fabric provides best protection
2. SLOP ON SPF 30+ SUNSCREEN
- No sunscreen provides complete protection
- Never rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin
- Always use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) 30 or above, preferably water resistant
- Make sure it’s broad spectrum and carries a UVA symbol (if it has a star rating, use a minimum 4 star)
- Store in an accessible, cool place and remember to check the expiry date
- Apply a generous amount to clean, dry, exposed skin
- Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors and preferably once again when outdoors
- Regardless of the instructions all sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and more if perspiring or straight after swimming
- Protect your lips with an SPF 30+ lip balm
3. SLAP ON A BROAD BRIMMED HAT
- Always wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face, neck and ears
- Legionnaire (with a flap that covers the neck and joins the front peak) or bucket style hats (with minimum 7.5cm brim) are the most effective
- A close weave or UPF rated fabric will provide better protection
- Warning: Baseball caps do not shade the ears and neck which can easily burn
4. SLIDE ON QUALITY SUNGLASSES
- Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes so it is important to wear quality sunglasses
- Overall protection depends on the quality of the lens and the overall design
- Look for the European CE mark which indicates a safe level of protection
- Those labelled with a high EPF (which rages from 1-10) will provide best protection
- Ensure they are close fitting and wrap around to stop solar UVR entering the sides and top
- Remember price and darkness of the lens have no reflection on the quality of protection
5. SHADE FROM THE SUN WHEN POSSIBLE
- Shade can provide a good barrier between our skin and the sun
- Seek shade whenever possible, particularly at the hottest times of the day between 11am and 3pm when UV penetration is strongest
- Keep toddlers and babies in the shade at all times
- Never rely on shade alone, always combine with personal protection measures
