The Source for Navy News
Summertime Sun Safety Tips
Story Number: NNS030627-13
Release Date: 6/28/2003 1:16:00 PM
By Journalist 2nd Class Erik Hoffmann, National Naval Medical Center Public Affairs
BETHESDA, Md. (NNS) -- Warm weather makes people think about outdoor activities. Days full of barbecues, beach and fun in the sun make for a good time.
However, too much of a good thing can be dangerous. Overexposure to the sun can cause cancer.
“The bulk of data suggests that severe, intense sun exposure before the age of 18 contributes significantly (to the development of skin cancer),” said Cmdr. David Mezebish, staff dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC).
Melanoma is a skin cancer where the normal pigment-producing cells in the skin, called melanocytes, become abnormal. The abnormal cells first spread locally on the skin and can spread to distant areas through lymph nodes.
“It’s the most worrisome type; the most dangerous type, unless detected and treated early,” added Mezebish. Melanoma usually attacks highly sun-exposed areas of the body, according to Mezebish. It’s predominately found on the chest and back of men, and on the legs of women.
The best defense against skin cancer is prevention of overexposure to the sun. Wear sunscreen with a high SPF if you’re going to be exposed to intense sunrays for long periods of time.
“Keep an eye on any kind of changing moles or any new pigmented growths on your body,” suggested Mezebish. “See your dermatologist regularly.”
Mezebish said the number of melanoma cases is growing annually in America but is still a rare form of skin cancer.
“There are probably about 50,000 plus new cases of melanoma each year. One person an hour dies from melanoma in our country. However, it’s by no means the most common type of skin cancer.”
Melanoma cases make up only about four percent of new skin cancer cases. Basil cell cases make up 80 percent. Squamous cell cases round off the total at 16 percent. Mezebish said most melanoma patients have a 95 percent success rate of eliminating their cancer if it’s detected and treated early.
For related news, visit the National Naval Medical Center Navy NewsStand page at www.news.navy.mil/local/nnmc.
E-mail this story to a friend | Send a comment about this story
|
All Any Exact |
|
