Turlock Journal Staff Writer

July 6, 2000

Summer is getting into full swing in the Central Valley. That means that more people will be out in the sun and vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun's rays.

Experts are cautioning people against repeated, long-term exposure in the sun, as it can lead to deadly diseases such as skin cancer. That is nothing new to the public. The new information is that even short-term exposure can be enough to eventually cause cancer.

"Most people assume that if they limit their exposure to the sun to short, regulated intervals, the dangers and ill-effects are greatly reduced," stated Dr. David Causier, chairman of the Department of Dermatology for Talbert Medical Group, one of Southern California's largest independent, physician owned medical groups. "Unfortunately, this is not the case. Even exposure in five-minute intervals can lead to many health and dermatological-related problems over the years."

According to Talbert Medical Group, the damage that the sun does to the skin builds up over several exposures, causing even short exposures to be rather damaging.

"Exposure to sunlight is defined by a cumulative effect, and provisions should be taken, no matter how short the exposure," said Causier.

A major problem in California is the obsession with tanning. Many people try to lay out and get a lot of sun exposure, which can be very harmful to the skin.

"Our society is one that really values a tan," said Dr. David Narita, from the Hughson Medical Office, a part of the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency. "Unfortunately, that is not the healthiest thing. A lot of people want to get tan fast, so they just lay out and burn themselves. This is bad because burns lead to skin cancer."

One of the main sun-related health problems facing Americans today is skin cancer. According to Talbert Medical Group, approximately 750,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, making skin cancer the most common type of diagnosed cancer among Americans.

The American Cancer Society reports that over 10,000 Americans die annually as a result of skin cancer. Melanoma, the most dangerous kind of skin cancer, is said to be responsible for approximately 8,000 of those deaths. Recent reports from Talbert Medical Group indicate that melanoma is growing at a rate of 10 percent per year.

"The key to skin cancer is early detection," said Causier. "With early detection, today's treatments are quite effective. When undetected, the effects can be fatal."

Early warning signs of skin cancer may include the change in size or color of a mole, birthmark, or any skin blemish. Anyone having these symptoms should consult their doctor.

There are several ways to protect oneself from the sun. Sunscreens and sun blocks are highly recommended. Most doctors now agree that a Sun Protection Level (SPF) of 15 or higher is needed for adequate protection from the sun's rays.

"People must realize that sunscreens are simply filters against the effects of the sun," said Causier. "They do not act as a sun blocker; therefore, they only reduce, but do not eliminate the long-term cumulative effects of sunlight to the skin."

Other precautions include wearing hats and tightly woven clothing that will keep out the sun's rays. However, not all clothing keeps out the sun's rays.

"Hold a piece of clothing that you plan to wear," said Causier. "If you can see the sunlight passed through it, then you can be sure that the sunlight is also bombarding your skin with unwanted radiation while it is being worn."

For those desperate to get a tan, Narita advises to simply take it slow and be cautious.

You should see it as a gradual effect," said Narita. "You should avoid long-term exposure to the sun at its peak hours of 10 in the morning to three in the afternoon. Just remember to use sun protection when you do lay out. I would even say that the fake tan lotion might a better way to go for someone with fair skin."

Reprinted by permission of The Turlock Journal.