Good Samaritan Hospital Urges You to Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer

John Mitty Wednesday, June 19, 2013

West Islip, NY - Long Islanders love to spend their summers enjoying fun in the sun, and even more prevalent is the tanning salon craze. Skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the United States is being diagnosed in an increasing number of patients including young people who frequently use tanning beds to enhance their tans.

“Skin cancer can strike anyone, regardless of his or her complexion or the amount of time they spend in the sun. Yet these factors are among a number of variables that increase an individual’s skin cancer risk,” said Good Samaritan Hospital affiliated dermatologist Pamela Basuk, MD.

Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to ultraviolet UVA and UVB rays. Much of this exposure comes from the sun, but it also comes from manmade sources, such as tanning beds. Tanning bed lamps have been found to emit 10 to 15 times more UVA rays than midday sun. UVA rays don’t burn your skin, but cause pre-mature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. They penetrate your skin more deeply and affect the cells on a molecular level.

Excessive exposure to these rays puts an individual at increased risk. Other risk factors include having many moles; having a fair complexion; suffering severe, blistering sunburns; and a personal or family history of skin cancer. Of course, prevention is the best course of action. Stay out of the sun, particularly between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. If you must be outdoors, wear protective clothing such as tightly woven fabrics, wear a hat, sunglasses, and use plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Skin cancers are named after the type of skin cell from which they arise. Basal cell cancer originates from the lowest layer of skin, and is the most common but least dangerous skin cancer. Squamous cell cancer originates from the middle layer, and is less common but more likely to spread and, if untreated, become fatal. Melanoma, which originates in the pigment-producing cells, is the least common, but most aggressive, most likely to spread and, if untreated, become fatal. Still, melanoma has one of the higher survival rates among major cancer, with more than 75% of patients surviving 10 years.

“There are many safe alternatives available that will give you the glow you desire without the harmful effects of the sun or tanning beds. Bronzing lotions, wipes and sprays are safe and will not damage your skin,” said Dr. Basuk.

To see more tips from Dr. Basuk, visit http://youtu.be/qgeXD-wBTLw.

jmitty@longislandyellowpages.com

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