Everyone loves the summer time – longer days, warmer weather, beach time, BBQ’s in the garden and vacations among other things. One should remember that when spending time in the sun, one should be mindful to wear skin protection if exposure is going to be long. UV rays from the sun are can be harmful if burning of the skin occurs and can cause skin damage and skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, Scientists often divide UV radiation into 3 wavelength ranges:
- UVA rays – these are the weakest of the UV rays and can cause skin cells to age prematurely. UVA rays are primarily linked to long-term skin damage and are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers.
- UVB rays – these rays have slightly more energy than UVA rays. They can damage the DNA in skin cells directly, and are the main rays that cause sunburns. They are also thought to cause most skin cancers.
- UVC rays – these rays have more energy than UVA and UVB rays. Fortunately, because of this, they react with ozone high in our atmosphere and do not reach the ground. Therefore UVC rays are not normally a risk factor for skin cancer. However, they can also come from some man-made sources, such as arc welding torches, mercury lamps, and UV sanitizing bulbs that kill bacteria and other germs (such as in water, air, food, or on surfaces).
Skin Cancer
No-one wants to hear the word cancer and when it comes to skin cancer there are three different types.
We will go into further detail of each one in future newsletters.
The two most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma.
These skin cancers are treatable especially when caught early.
However, melanoma is not as common and is more dangerous if not treated ASAP.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports:
- More than 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer were treated in over 3.3 million people in the U.S. in 2012, the most recent year new statistics were available.
- More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
- Actinic keratosis – a rough scaly patch on your skin from years of exposure to harmful sun rays are the most common precancer and affects more than 58 million Americans.
- The annual cost of treating skin cancers in the U.S. is estimated at $8.1 billion: about $4.8 billion for nonmelanoma skin cancers and $3.3 billion for melanoma.
Preventing Skin Cancer
We all have to go outside to run errands, go to work, drop the kids off at school etc. so staying away from the suns UV rays are impossible.
We recommend the following safety tips if you go outside and if you live in states with a similar climate to Florida.
If you are not sun acclimated or have fair complexion and are going to be in the sun:
- Wear hats and sunglasses – make sure the sunglasses block both UVA & UVB rays
- Careful when the sun it is at its strongest – mainly between 10 am to 3 pm during summer months.
- Always use natural broad spectrum sunscreen which blocks UVA and UVB rays. Make sure the sunscreen has an SPF of at least 30 if you are outside. Reapply every two hours or after contact with water
You can also look on any weather website like accuweather.com or weather.com and they will tell what the UV index is every hour for that day on a scale of 0 (low) to 10 (high).
This is important to research before heading outside to know how well you need to protect yourself depending on the time of day.
Even when it is cloudy, UV rays still come through, so you need to protect yourself during all types of weather when the index is high.
Treatment for Skin Cancer at LifeWorks Wellness Center
LifeWorks Wellness Center has been successfully treating patients with cancer for over twenty years.
When someone gets a diagnosis of cancer, they have so many questions that need answered.
At our clinic, we listen to all your questions and answer them fully.
We have a treatment plan that boosts your immune system while also treating the cancer.
A strong immune system is extremely important in helping the body fight against the cancer and stop it from developing further.
You’ve heard the saying “the best defense is a good offense” and we are your offense.
Together we will work hard together to give you the best treatment plan to get your cancer is remission.
We offer many treatments to our cancer patients which all work well together to help the body fight cancer. These include:
Our treatment plan and supplements will help you beat cancer and get you back to living your life to the fullest.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (727) 466-6789.
Helpful Cancer Resources
- Alternative Cancer Treatment - a page dedicated to treating cancer naturally.
- Alternative Cancer Treatment Testimonials - patient success stories overcoming cancer.
