Dear Heimann:

Question:  I hear all kinds of messages in the media about skin cancer in young people.  I think about protection in the sun but most of my friends think a tan is healthy.  How does the sun affect our health?

Answer:  Looking our best is important for all of us.  When we look good we feel good.  Many of us feel that we look our best when we have a tan. Unfortunately, research indicates that tanned skin is actually damaged skin.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage to our skin is cumulative. Therefore the damage to our skin over the years permanently changes each cell structure and function. The results can be the growth of red or brown scaly patches called solar keratoses, which may be precancerous, or even skin cancer. In fact, more than 90% of skin cancers develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun. You might be surprised to know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed, in Ontario.

The good news is most skin cancers are preventable.  Experts believe it’s caused by over- exposure to UV radiation (both natural and artificial light). Both environmental and lifestyle factors account for this over exposure. For instance, the atmosphere’s ozone layer is depleting which allows more UV radiation to reach us (environmental factor) while we are outdoors working and playing (lifestyle factor).

To help prevent skin cancer, a disease that will affect more than 75,000 Canadians this year, “ A Community Affair, Practice Sun Safety Everywhere” is being implemented in our area. This is a joint project among the Windsor Essex County, Chatham-Kent and Lambton Health Units, along with all area school boards, the Canadian Dermatology Association, Canadian Cancer Society, Essex County Pharmacy Association and the Windsor/ Essex County Optimist Clubs.

The project will encourage all of us to actively practice sun protection behaviours. These behaviours include: limiting exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., wearing a wide brimmed hat, wearing sun protective clothing, using sunscreen (SPF 15+), wearing UV protective sunglasses, and seeking shade or make your own.

We know that it’s especially important to protect our children from the sun.  Just one severe sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Research indicates that one in seven children will have skin cancer in their lifetime. Rapid Risk Factor Surveillance System 2004 (RRFSS), a local telephone survey indicated that 1/3 of all Windsor Essex County residents have experienced a sunburn in the last year So let’s try to prevent this from happening and teach sun protection behaviour early.

Practicing good sun protection leaves one looking and feeling good.