The Darker Side of the Sun

September 9, 1996

Greensboro, NC: Though it is often peeking over our shoulders, we are frequently indifferent to its presence. Though it sustains life, it can be deadly if left unacknowledged.

The most common form of cancer, skin cancer is also one the most preventable. Still, the American Academy of Dermatology estimates that one in six Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime, and that more than 700,000 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year.

"We are a nation of sun worshippers," said Dr. Ellen Smoak, a clothing and textiles specialist in North Carolina A&T State University's Cooperative Extension Program. "The more unprotected exposure we have to the sun, the greater our chances of developing skin cancer. However, we don't often stop and think about how we can protect ourselves and still enjoy being outdoors."

During Farm Safety Week, September 15 to 21, farmers and others associated with agriculture are called upon to examine their daily activities and determine how they can improve the safety of their work environments.

"Farmers and others who work primarily outdoors, because of their frequent exposure, are at greater risk of developing skin cancer," said Smoak. "It is not uncommon to see workers in the fields without a shirt or a hat, and, more often than not, they do not use sunscreens to protect themselves from the sun's damaging rays."

Individuals with specific traits need to be especially mindful of the sun's dangers. For example, individuals with skin types that are more sensitive to the sun, such as those who burn easily and have little ability to tan, tend to be at the greatest risk of developing skin cancer, due to more frequent acute sunburns.

Still, Smoak cautions, dark-skinned people must be mindful of their exposure to the sun. "Often, people whose risk of developing skin cancer isn't especially high disregard the fact that they are still vulnerable to the sun's rays. Like everyone else, they should take appropriate precautions."

Statistics show that 90 percent of all skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are unprotected by clothing or sunscreen.

Smoak recommends that everyone who is exposed to the sun take a few simple precautions to avoid this often preventable, yet sometimes life-threatening form of cancer. Among Smoak's suggestions are: using a sunscreen with a sun protective factor of at least 15, even on cloudy day; wearing a hat to protect the head and face; and avoiding the sun between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

When detected early, 90 to 95 percent of all skin cancer can be successfully treated. For this reason, it is important, especially to those at great risk, to be aware of skin cancer symptoms. Such symptoms include: a small, shiny, pearly bump on the skin; a red, scaly, sharply outlined patch; sores that do not heal properly; unusual skin sensations; and misshapen, discolored or otherwise irregular moles.

For more information, please contact Dr. Ellen Smoak, NC A&T Cooperative Extension Program, (336) 334-7956.