We're about halfway through the summer, and I'll bet you've heard no end of warnings about sun exposure. Stay out of the sun for long periods of time. Avoid the sun during its peak hours. Wear lots of sunscreen when you go out. The litany goes on and on. The dangers of irresponsible sun exposure are real... but they are also misunderstood
It is true that repeated sunburns contribute to skin cancer, but not to the kind of skin cancer that you think. Sunburns can lead to the most common forms of skin cancer-basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas. These are superficial cancers, meaning that they don't easily spread within your body. They are also easily treated when you catch them early.
The kind of cancer you think of when someone says skin cancer is melanoma. This is much more serious. Melanoma can spread throughout your body and be very deadly. But the link between sun exposure and melanoma is tenuous.
There is evidence that sunburn does increase the risk of melanoma. But there is also evidence that sun exposure without sunburn will actually lower your risks.
For example, in one study researchers found that people whose jobs force them to get regular sun exposure are less likely to develop melanoma than those who get no sun exposure as part of their jobs. (1)
In another study researchers discovered that people with melanoma had a greater chance of survival if they spent more time in the sun. (2)
As you can see, the connection between sun exposure and melanoma is more complicated than the simple "Sun is bad," mantra that you hear from most dermatologists.
The two best ways to protect yourself from melanoma are to understand what responsible sun exposure means and to know how to recognize melanoma in its early stages—early treatment is key to survival.
Know the Skin You're In
First, here are the keys to healthy sun exposure:
Do get some sunscreen-free sun exposure each week to bolster your vitamin D levels. Do protect your skin from burning by covering up, finding shade, or using a safe sunscreen with zinc oxide as the active ingredient.Don't stay out in the sun for prolonged periods without taking measures to protect your skin.Do take 1 gram of vitamin C before bed if you burn—it will help your body prevent long-lasting damage to your skin.Do have a therapeutic lotion on hand in case of sunburn—my favorite is just straight aloe vera jelly.
Next, here are the ABCs of recognize a melanoma in its early stages
A. Asymmetrical Appearance: Take notice of moles that aren't symmetrical in shape. This is a warning that something might be amiss. B. Border Irregularity: Moles that have a rough or uneven border may be cancerous or in danger or becoming cancerous.C. Color Variation: A healthy mole is usually uniform in color. Cancerous moles often have color variations within the mole, ranging from white to red to black to brown. D. Diameter: Be concerned about any mole larger than a pencil eraser.E. Elevation Change: Most healthy moles will not undergo any changes whereas a cancerous mole may change from a flat mole to one that is raised or it may grow in size.
If you have two or more of these ABCs in a single mole, it's time to make an appointment with your dermatologist. It could save your life.
In Good Health,Jay Brachfeld, M.D.
http://www.vitalmaxvitamins.comhttp://www.vitalmaxvitamins.com/blog
1 Nelemans PJ, et al. "Effect of Intermittent Exposure to Sunlight on Melanoma Risk Among Indoor Workers and Sun Sensitive Individuals," Environmental Health Prospectives 1993; 101(3): 252-55
2 American Cancer Society. Sunlight May Not Be All Bad for Some Cancers. ACS News Center. Feb 2005.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jay_Brachfeld,_M.D.
Showing posts with label Skin Cancer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skin Cancer. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Skin Cancer Prevention - Broccoli Has Its Day In The Sun
As the population ages, more people, especially those with light complexions, are being diagnosed with and treated for skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. The most favorable kind is basal cell and melanoma is the most serious form.
Most skin cancers are caused by longstanding sun exposure. Also, as the ozone layer becomes more depleted, the incidence of skin cancer is anticipated to rise. Therefore, it makes sense to reduce sun exposure to minimize a person's risk of developing skin cancer.
Traditional approaches are applying a thick coating of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to sun exposed areas of the skin, especially those of the face, ears, neck, back of the arms, and hands. It should be noted that sunscreens absorb UV light, thus preventing the radiation from penetrating the skin. Also, avoiding sun exposure when the sun's rays are most intense, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wearing protective, opaque clothing, such as long sleeved shirts, long pants, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, are helpful measures.
On October 22, 2007, a publication for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported research that demonstrated a sun protective effect from extracts of broccoli. stems. The chemical component, called sulforaphane (pronounced sull FOR uh fane) is not a sunscreen. Instead, it boosts the protective systems within cells to counteract the damage caused by UV rays. This effect results in less redness and inflammation of sun exposed skin, and ultimately decreases the risk of skin cancer.
Scientific DataThe protective effect of sulforaphane was identified fifteen years ago, when a scientist discovered that is prevented tumor development in a number of animals that were exposed to cancer causing agents. The new study examined the effects of broccoli sprout application to small areas of the skin of six human volunteers as well as mice. Volunteers then were exposed to UV radiation, either at the site of the application of the broccoli extract or on an untreated area of the skin. The results were a 37% reduction in redness and inflammation in the treated areas of the skin. Also, the researcher noted that it took many hours or even days for the protective measures to ensue. However, the results lasted for days after the application was washed off the skin.
Future Directions Due to the small number of human subjects in this study, the validity of the data needs to be confirmed by testing it on a large scale. If the data are borne out, it is possible that broccoli extract will be added to creams that one can apply to the skin, either before or after sun exposure.
However, this will not replace the traditional skin cancer risk reduction methods described earlier. Also, people should examine their skin everywhere on their bodies at least once per month. Those who find a suspicious mole should have it evaluated by their primary care physician or dermatologist. The rate of a future skin cancer for someone who has been diagnosed with one skin cancer is nearly 50%. Thus, such people should undergo annual physician skin exams. The good news is that a simple, safe product extracted from broccoli may indeed be useful in preventing skin cancer, an all too common medical condition.
Dr. Kornmehl is a board certified radiation oncologist at St. Mary's Hospital, Passaic, NJ and author of the critically acclaimed consumer health book, "The Best News About Radiation Therapy" (M. Evans, 2004). Her website is http://www.RTSupportDoc.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Kornmehl
Most skin cancers are caused by longstanding sun exposure. Also, as the ozone layer becomes more depleted, the incidence of skin cancer is anticipated to rise. Therefore, it makes sense to reduce sun exposure to minimize a person's risk of developing skin cancer.
Traditional approaches are applying a thick coating of sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 to sun exposed areas of the skin, especially those of the face, ears, neck, back of the arms, and hands. It should be noted that sunscreens absorb UV light, thus preventing the radiation from penetrating the skin. Also, avoiding sun exposure when the sun's rays are most intense, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and wearing protective, opaque clothing, such as long sleeved shirts, long pants, sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat, are helpful measures.
On October 22, 2007, a publication for the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reported research that demonstrated a sun protective effect from extracts of broccoli. stems. The chemical component, called sulforaphane (pronounced sull FOR uh fane) is not a sunscreen. Instead, it boosts the protective systems within cells to counteract the damage caused by UV rays. This effect results in less redness and inflammation of sun exposed skin, and ultimately decreases the risk of skin cancer.
Scientific DataThe protective effect of sulforaphane was identified fifteen years ago, when a scientist discovered that is prevented tumor development in a number of animals that were exposed to cancer causing agents. The new study examined the effects of broccoli sprout application to small areas of the skin of six human volunteers as well as mice. Volunteers then were exposed to UV radiation, either at the site of the application of the broccoli extract or on an untreated area of the skin. The results were a 37% reduction in redness and inflammation in the treated areas of the skin. Also, the researcher noted that it took many hours or even days for the protective measures to ensue. However, the results lasted for days after the application was washed off the skin.
Future Directions Due to the small number of human subjects in this study, the validity of the data needs to be confirmed by testing it on a large scale. If the data are borne out, it is possible that broccoli extract will be added to creams that one can apply to the skin, either before or after sun exposure.
However, this will not replace the traditional skin cancer risk reduction methods described earlier. Also, people should examine their skin everywhere on their bodies at least once per month. Those who find a suspicious mole should have it evaluated by their primary care physician or dermatologist. The rate of a future skin cancer for someone who has been diagnosed with one skin cancer is nearly 50%. Thus, such people should undergo annual physician skin exams. The good news is that a simple, safe product extracted from broccoli may indeed be useful in preventing skin cancer, an all too common medical condition.
Dr. Kornmehl is a board certified radiation oncologist at St. Mary's Hospital, Passaic, NJ and author of the critically acclaimed consumer health book, "The Best News About Radiation Therapy" (M. Evans, 2004). Her website is http://www.RTSupportDoc.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carol_Kornmehl
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