Research shows
that, when applied properly and frequently, sunscreens help prevent melanoma and other cancers. That said,
there is also evidence that shows sunscreens give people a false sense of
security, causing them to stay out in the sun longer than they
should, which could leave them no better off from a skin cancer risk
standpoint.
For
this reason, Dr. William O'Connor stresses sun protection measures like seeking
shade and limiting one’s time in the sun, especially during the mid-day hours.
“There’s no question that UV radiation causes skin cancer, both melanoma and
non-melanoma,” says Dr. O'Connor. “Sunscreens are an important tool in
protecting Canadians from skin cancer, but they’re not the only
tool.”
Sunscreens
don’t stop all of the sun’s damaging radiation; instead they prevent a
percentage of the damaging rays from penetrating the skin. An SPF of 30 means
that it would take you 30 times longer than if you weren’t wearing sunscreen to
get burned. But studies show we don’t apply sunscreen thickly enough, meaning we only get a quarter to half of the protection promised on the bottle.
Thus, an SPF 30 sunscreen becomes an SPF 15 or even 10 because most people don’t
put on enough of it.
Especially
concerning is the care that needs to be taken with our children. It’s up to us
as adults to make sure they are protected. "No tan is a safe tan!" states Dr.
O'Connor. “Protect your skin ~ especially when you are young ~ because once the
damage is done, it is too late.”
Farmers are
also particularly at risk for Cancer of the lip which can be aggressive and
disfiguring. Farmers, or anyone working in the sun, need to be reminded to use
a lip protection with a sun block.
