Skin Cancer and Sun Sense : Part 3

by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

(Page 3 of 3)

The high-fat group ate their usual diet, consuming 36 to 40 percent of their caloric intake as fat, about average for Americans. In the low-fat group, no more than 20 percent of total caloric intake was fat. Overall, the high-fat group had a nearly five times greater risk of developing one or more actinic keratoses during the two-year study.

"Reduced incidence of this common skin tumor is just another added benefit to a long litany of those that can be attributed to a low-fat diet," Black says.

The National Academy of Sciences recommends a diet in which 30 percent or less of the calories come from fat. The National Cancer Institute, the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and other health organizations support this recommendation.

Although many researchers are studying the effects of certain vitamins and various other nutrients on skin cancer, it's too soon to make specific recommendations. But so far, the research trends point toward what we already know to be a healthier diet — less fat, more fruits, vegetables and grains.

Once cancer develops, early detection and treatment are the best defense. Get familiar with your skin and your own pattern of moles and freckles with monthly skin self-exams. If any growth, mole or discoloration appears suddenly or begins to change, or if a sore appears that doesn't heal, see a dermatologist.

For any type of skin cancer, treatment involves removing the lesion, usually in an outpatient procedure. The treatment goal is to remove or destroy the growth completely with as little damage as possible to healthy tissue. Doctors evaluate numerous factors in planning treatment. Considerations include type of cancer, tumor size and location, extent of disease, whether it's new or recurrent, potential for scarring, and the patient's overall health.

Types of surgery include cryosurgery (destruction by freezing), laser surgery (using a laser beam to cut away or vaporize growths), and curettage and electrodessication (using a spoon-like blade to scoop out the growth, followed by destruction of surrounding tissue with an electric needle). Occasionally, other treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, may be used alone or in combination.

Even after successful treatment, people who have had skin cancer remain at increased risk of developing it again. Protecting their skin from UV exposure is critical in helping to prevent a recurrence. It should become a life-long habit.

Sunlamps — Not a Bright Idea

Like the sun, sunlamps give off UV radiation — both UVA and UVB — and can be harmful. Exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps adds to the total amount of UV radiation your skin accumulates during your lifetime, and increases the risk of skin cancer. Other risks include premature skin aging, skin and eye burns, allergic-type reactions, cataracts, reduced immunity, and blood vessel damage.

FDA has a radiation safety performance standard for sunlamp products. Such products must have a warning label, an accurate timer, an emergency stop control, and include an exposure schedule and protective eyewear.

Tanning devices aren't recommended for anyone, and should never be used if:

• You sunburn easily and don't tan. Skin that doesn't tan in the sun probably won't tan with sunlamps either.
• You get frequent cold sores. UV radiation may cause them to appear more frequently.
• You're taking medicines that can make you more sensitive to UV radiation. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you choose to ignore the risks and seek an indoor tan, follow all the safety precautions. Stick to your time limit. Be sure to wear the goggles provided, making sure they fit snugly and aren't cracked.

Remember that there's no safe tan and there's no safe UV radiation. That's why tanning devices are best avoided altogether.

UV or Not UV?

It's a good rule of thumb to guard against overexposure whenever sunlight is strong enough that you can see your shadow. But you can't rely on your perception of brightness and shadows to gauge UV exposure because your eyes can't see UV wavelengths. Up to 80 percent of UV radiation can pass through clouds. The UV Index can help.

While you should always guard against UV exposure, be extra vigilant when the UV Index is 5 or higher. Remember that exposure doesn't come only from above — snow, sand, water, and even concrete reflect UV radiation. Also, UV radiation increases at higher elevations. The UV Index for mountain cities takes this into account, but keep it in mind if you travel.

Protect your eyes and skin from UV radiation with these simple safeguards:

• Wear a wide-brim hat to protect your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck.
• Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV radiation. Check the label.
• Protect as much of your skin as possible with clothing.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply every two hours and after swimming.
• Avoid midday sun — 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — when UV radiation is strongest.

About the Author

www.fda.gov
FDA is A United States government body that oversees medical devices, including contact lenses, intraocular lenses, excimer lasers and eyedrops. In the US, these products must be approved by the FDA before they can be marketed.