By GLENN GARNETT
When I was a kid, I’d while away hot, sunny summer afternoons with my friends at the local outdoor pool. My pals, luckier than I, turned brown as nuts - I’d turn red as a lobster and sport huge water blisters on my shoulders that my buddies helpfully popped by slapping me on the back when I wasn’t looking.
In those days when you went to the cottage in the summer, your mom might bug you now and then to slap some Coppertone on your face and shoulders, but for the most part you’d go into battle with the sun unarmed and uncaring. Heck, I can remember my grade six health teacher raving about the benefits of soaking up all that Vitamin D raining down for free.
Today, of course, we know better. Discussion of the depletion of the planet’s protective ozone layer is omnipresent - on TV, in newspapers and magazines, and from your mom still nagging you to splash on some Coppertone every time your poke your nose out the door. While naturally occuring environmental stresses such as volcanic eruptions are responsible for about 15% of ozone disappearance, the widespread use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) over a couple of generations for refrigerants and solvents gets the lion’s share of the blame, leading to reduction in ozone by 5-10% over North America during some periods to a staggering 60% over Antarctica.
The good news is that international conventions have halted production of ozone depleting substances in over 140 countries worldwide and scientists believe ozone levels will restore naturally by about 2050.
While that’s terrific news for your grandchildren, in the here and now sun protection is of paramount concern. Statistics show the risk of skin cancer is greater today than it was 20 years ago. While "holes" in the ozone layer are partly responsible, the Canadian Cancer Society says that isn’t the only factor. The fact is more of us are spending time working and playing outdoors than ever before.
Recently I met Patty Payne of the Canadian Cancer Society at the Cottage Life show in Toronto. Being of fair complexion, I happily collected some samples of SPF #60 "total block" sunscreen, which I imagine must have the consistency and effectiveness of lead paste.
"Non-melanoma skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in Canada," Payne says. "In 1999, we had 66,000 new cases. Most of the time these cases are highly treatable and curable, they rarely spread. The most serious form of skin cancer is melanoma and there are about 4,000 new cases of this every year. Because it does spread it has the potential to be much more serious."
But Payne says too many people remain totally reliant on sunscreen for protection from harmful UV rays.
"It sometimes gives people a false sense of protection," she says. "Using sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 is one of the things the Canadian Cancer society suggests you do to be sun sensible. But we also recommend seeking shade, especially between 11 and 4 when the suns rays are at their highest and strongest in Canada and also to wear protective clothing, such as cotton T-shirts with a tight weave, hats with a brim, and sunglasses."
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exposure to sunshine, apply sunscreen and ensure they’re sporting fashionably floppy head gear. |
Payne says it’s also a good idea to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before you go outside. The effectiveness of your sunscreen also depends on your activity - if you’re playing baseball, for instance, and sweating up a storm, the effectiveness of your sunscreen will diminish. Ditto swimming. So keep some handy to reapply as required.
Parents should be particularly vigilant about their children’s exposure to the sun: "The more blistering sunburns you get as a young person, the more likely you are to go on to develop a skin cancer as an adult," Payne says. "It’s not an immediate cause and effect - it usually takes a number of years."
Some people are more at risk of getting skin cancer - these include those with red hair or with fair complexion - they’re more likely to burn. Also at risk are those who routinely work, play or exercise in the sun for long periods of time and those who have a family history of skin cancer.
Sunglasses are a cool part of anyone’s sun protection plan, preventing damage to your eyes by blocking a large amount of ultraviolet rays. The CCS recommends sunglasses with even shading, medium to dark lenses (grey, brown or green tint) along with UV-A and UV-B protection.
And if you, like me, can remember earlier misadventures in the sun, get to know your skin and the location and appearance of birthmarks and moles, checking them often for changes in appearance. If you’re as "mole-y" as I am - my back looks like a negative of the Milky Way galaxy - regular inspection by a doctor is also a good idea.
You should see your doctor right away if you notice a birthmark or mole that changes shape, colour, size or surface; a sore that doesn’t heal; new growths on your skin; and patches of skin that bleed, ooze, swell, itch or become red and bumpy.
The bottom line is - have fun in the sun this summer but be sunsensible.
Sun Sense Guidelines
Courtesy the Canadian Cancer Society
