Brava

June 2012

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live in good health Sun Know your risk factors: "Your eye color, hair color, history of sun exposure and skin type, how easily you sunburn, indoor tanning, and tobacco use can increase your risk," Tock explains. To understand your risk for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, find the National Cancer Institutes risk as- sessment tool at cancer.gov/melanomarisktool. Watch the clock: "On any given day the ultraviolet rays from the sun are the highest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., but in summer the intensity is greater. Even if you are in the sun a short time, it can cause sunburns and damage the skin. When that happens, it predisposes a person to skin cancer," says Tock. When there are more cases of skin cancer a year than all other types of cancer combined, Dr. Christine Tock with Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin aims to teach prevention as the cure Sense By Sharyn Alden Take cover: Avoid sun exposure by sitting in the shade, wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen every two hours when out- doors between those hours of peak intensity. "I tell my patients to wear at least SPF 30 if they are planning to be in the sun for over 30 minutes in the middle of the day," adds Tock. Avoid indoor tanning: It may go without saying, yet tanning beds still see regular use. "In recent years scientific evidence has linked indoor tanning beds to melanoma, especially in young women, and consequently melanoma is on the rise," says Tock. Check sunscreen labels: Sunscreen reduces sunburn by blocking ultraviolet B (UVB) rays pri- marily linked with basal cell skin cancer. "In the past year, the FDA has approved new labeling for sunscreens including broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Sunscreens with these labels are bet- ter for skin cancer prevention overall," Tock says. Know when to see a dermatologist: Skin cancer screen- ing by a dermatologist can lead to early detection. "Adults who have known risk factors should have an annual exam," says Tock. "But at any age, a person with over 20 moles has an increased risk for melanoma and should be screened." As always, anytime you are concerned about a spot on your skin, consult a doctor. 12 BRAVA Magazine June 2012

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