Sun Protection FAQ’s
Q: How many people get skin cancer?
A: It has been estimated that 20% of North Americans get skin cancer sometime during their lifetimes.
Q: I’ve heard that the amount of sun exposure as a child effects the chances someone will get skin cancer, true?
A: Yes. A child’s skin, particularly before the age of 10, is especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays. A single blistering sunburn can double a child’s risk of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Q: Is it true UV rays are just as dangerous for a child as smoking?
A: Well, I’m not sure about that. However, the U.S. Public Health Service does consider UV rays to be human cancer causing agents just like tobacco smoke, asbestos, arsenic, and radon.
Q: What’s the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
A: Both contribute to skin cancer. UVA rays are more responsible for wrinkles while UVB rays cause burning. Make sure your sunscreen is labeled “broadspectrum” to cover both UVA and UVB rays.
Q: Wait a minute, you’re saying that sunlight is bad for you?
A: Overexposure to the sun is bad. However, sunlight helps the body synthesize vitamin D, which helps the body protect against many cancers including prostate, colon, ovaries, and breast. Therefore, too little sunlight can be harmful. But, it is not necessary to be tanned or sunburn to receive a healthy dose of sunlight.
Q: What is “sun safety”?
A: “Sun safety” is described by the National Association of State Boards of Education as follows:
- Wearing dark, close-knit clothing that covers the arms, body, and legs.
- Wearing wide brimmed (3 inches or more) hats or baseball hats with side and back flaps added that cover the face and neck.
- Use of broad-spectrum sunscreen of a least SPF 15 or higher.
- Wearing sunglasses that filter out 100% of UVB and UVA light.
- Seeking shade and limiting sun exposure during the hours of peak sun intensity, 10 AM to 4 PM.
Q: I’ve heard people talk about sun safety as “slip, slop, slap, wrap”. What does that mean?
A: “Slip, slop, slap, wrap” was sung by a cartoon seagull in an Australian public education television commercial. The meaning is – “Slip” on sun protective clothes; “slop” on sunscreen; “slap” on a hat; and “wrap” on sunglasses.
Q: What are the different types of skin cancer?
A: The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Both are highly curable if they are detected and treated early.
Basal cell carcinoma is often seen as a pale, waxlike nodule resembling a pear. Squamous cell carcinoma is often seen as a sharply outlined red and scaly patch.
Melanoma is the more dangerous type of skin cancer, but luckily less common. Melanoma often appears as a small, mole-like growth that increases in size and changes color. The mole may be asymmetrical; have an irregular border; be variable in color with shades of tan, brown, or black.
Q: Is it true that you can still get a sunburn on a cloudy day?
A: Clouds do not block UV rays. They only filter UV rays, and sometimes not very much. So, yes, you can get a sunburn on a cloudy day.
Q: How long does it take to get a sunburn?
A: Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes. But, it may take up to 12 hours for skin to show the full effect of sun exposure. If your skin looks a little pink today, it may be burned tomorrow.
Q: Do you need different sunscreens for your face and body?
A: Sunscreens made specifically for your face won’t be sticky or give you a pale hue. However, a general body sunscreen will work just fine on your face as well.
