May Is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month - Tips To Avoid It!

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month!

According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be over a million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in 2008. Thankfully despite this high number less than 1000 deaths are expected, but treatment and worry are considerable nonetheless. Melanoma, responsible for roughly 75% of skin cancer deaths has been steadily increasing from an incidence of 1 in 1500 in 1935, up to 1 in 84 Americans now.Given these numbers despite the widespread use of sunscreen, what can we do to lower our risk?

1. Choose your sunscreen wisely

According to the Environmental Working Group, only 25% of sunscreens are considered both safe and effective. Read The Shady Side of Sunscreen.

2. Cover-up

Looking at the statistics above it is clear that factors in addition to sunscreen should be considered in skin cancer prevention. What did people do differently in 1935 when the incidence of melanoma was so much lower and sunscreen was not available? They covered up! Loose fitting tightly woven clothing, hats, umbrellas, and avoiding the sun during midday can offer protection.

3. Eat your sunscreen

Several foods and dietary practices are linked to a lower risk of skin cancer. Read Eat Your Sunscreen - 10 Superfoods to Lower Skin Cancer Risk.

4. Exercise

Exercise, at least in mice, appears to lower the risk of skin cancer. Read A Run and Java to Prevent Skin Cancer.

5. Remember the benefits of the sun

In addition to warding off the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder, vitamin D produced in our bodies from sun exposure plays an important role in cancer prevention overall. Read Let the Sunshine In - But How Much?

For further information on cancer prevention, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.

Copyright 2008 Turtle Lake Publications

The Shady Side of Sunscreen

Most health care professionals advice the use of sunscreen for everyone - but unlike people, sunscreens are not all created equal. The Environmental Working Group investigated 1,015 brand name sunscreen products. Of these they found that only 25% were both safe and effective. The issues:

Protection against both UVB and UVA rays:

The FDA does not require that sunscreens offer UVA protection at this time. Unlike UVB rays, which are best known for causing sunburns, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin. A lack of studies showing a decrease in the risk of melanoma with sunscreen use, may be in part due to traditional sunscreens lacking UVA protection. Both UVB and UVA rays can cause skin damage and skin cancer. Several products that protect against both UVA and UVB rays are now available.

Ingredients that pose significant safety concerns:

In addition to ingredients that may be irritating or cause allergic reactions, some chemicals in common sunscreen products raise greater concern. Some of these can be absorbed through the skin and mimic estrogen in the body. Some can actually have a skin-damaging effect by forming free radicals when exposed to sunlight.

As we are bombarded by advertising that touts everything from "healthy fast food" to miracle pills that can ease every malady known to man, how does your sunscreen measure up? The Environmental Working Group's "Skin Deep" cosmetic safety base lists 20 sunscreen products that are considered both low hazard and effective here.

The FDA plans on Upgrading Sunscreen Labeling to include information on UVA protection.

For further information on cancer prevention, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.
Copyright 2008 Turtle Lake Publications

Eat Your Sunscreen! - 10 Superfoods to Lower Skin Cancer Risk

Amidst the spring shower of sunscreen advertisements, we forget there are many ways to lower our risk of developing skin cancer. What we eat can have an impact on whether we will ever have to hear those words, "you have skin cancer!"

It has been shown that those who consume more fruits and vegetables have only half the incidence of skin cancer, whereas those who consume meals high in meat and fat have twice the risk. A few "superfoods" have been shown to pack an extra punch, and make a great addition to a picnic on the beach.

Superfoods for Skin Cancer Prevention:

1. Artichokes - Artichokes are high in silymarin, an antioxidant that has been shown to slow the growth of melanoma cells in mice.

2. Green tea - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea, has been shown to protect the skin of rodents from UV damage. A great treat chilled on the beach!

3. Fish - Omega-3-fatty acids in fish appear to offer protection against non-melanoma skin cancer.

4. Grapes - Proanthocyanidins, present in grapes seeds, have been shown to prevent photocarcinogenesis (cancer caused by sun exposure.)

5. Broccoli sprouts - Sulforaphane, which is high in broccoli and especially broccoli sprouts, was shown to substantially inhibit UV induced skin cancer in mice.

6. Berries - Berries are high in ellagic acid, which appears to have anti-tumor properties in rat skin.

7. Pomegranate juice - An juice extract of pomegranates was shown to protect against UV damage on a molecular level.

8. Carrots - Foods high in beta-carotene appear to have a protective role against skin cancer.

9. Spinach - Spinach is high in lutein/zeaxanthin, which has been shown to reduce UV induced skin cancer in mice when consumed dietarily.

10. Pineapple - Pineapple contains bromelain, a compound shown to decrease cancer in animals.

Practicing common sense, such as using hats and avoiding midday sun exposure are paramount. After all, melanoma, responsible for 75% of skin cancer deaths, had an incidence of only 1 in 1500 people in 1935 when common sense was not exchanged for the blissful feeling that a chemical could protect us from all harm. This incidence of melanoma is now 1 in 84.For further information on cancer prevention, visit Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time.