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

Let The Sunshine In - But How Much?

Mom always told us we needed to spend time in the sun, but watching sunscreen commercials makes us wonder if we should venture beyond the front door unless the moon is shining. Do we really need sunshine? And if so, do we dare step outside for 10 minutes without sunscreen?

According to the National Cancer Institute, up to 50% of those living in the US are at high risk for vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked with several cancers as well as conditions such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Over the past year, studies have been published demonstrating a significant reduction in the incidence of breast cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer in those receiving the equivalent of 1000 IU's of vitamin D daily. For those who have been diagnosed with cancer, increased survival geographically going from north to south has been correlated with sun exposure, and hence vitamin D.

So how do we get vitamin D? Historically, sun exposure has been the main source of vitamin D. While our approach has traditionally been to recommend dietary sources of vitamins alone, this is difficult with vitamin D. Even with vitamin D fortified foods, to get 1000 IU's per day would require drinking 10 glasses of milk! The Canadian Cancer Society has advised that individuals should consider taking a supplement of 1000 IU's of vitamin D daily during the fall and winter months. In the US, the American Society states that some people may require supplements, and this should be discussed with your health care provider.

What do the authors do? Spending 10 to 15 minutes in the sun without sunscreen (sunscreen with an SPF > 8 blocks formation of vitamin D) in average summer attire, can result in the absorption of a whopping 5000 IU's. Of course, this is not recommended for everyone, sun protection (hats, sunscreen) should be used after this time, and you should never burn.

But what if it is cloudy? Many things affect how much vitamin D is produced in our bodies by sunlight, including latitude, complexion, season, and time of day. Clouds reduce absorption by 50% and shade by 60%. People with fair complexions require much less sun exposure to absorb vitamin D than those with darker complexions. At latitudes above 40N (northern California), very little vitamin D is produced during the winter months, and hence the Canadian Cancer Society's recommendation for a supplement.

Have a Sunny Day!

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