Fun in the Sun-Stay safe this summer

April 18, 2006: Today Rotarians got a dose of reality with an introduction to “Skin Cancer 101”. Living in an area with such a beautiful climate, we all love to get out in the sun and work on our tans, but Dr. Marguerite Germain, a Mt. Pleasant Dermatologist, showed us why we should be very careful when we expose ourselves to the sun’s harmful rays.

Dr. Germain, a former Navy fighter pilot, started the presentation with some pictures of what looked like a makeshift beach party on an aircraft carrier, a way for pilots to get some sun during their down time. But the consequences of sunning on the blacktop may be with those men and women for the rest of their lives. Dr. Germain explained that sun damage comes from the sun’s UVA, UVB and UVC rays. While most sunscreens block only UVB rays, she warns us to use a broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks UVA as well as the most harmful UVC rays from our skin. While fair-skinned people are typically most at risk for sun damage, darker skin types are also at risk. The consequences can often be deadly, as she explained when she told the Club of the many types of skin cancers and how to look for the signs.

The three types of skin cancers discussed by Dr. Germain are basal cell carcinoma (the most common), squamous cell carcinoma (typically found on the nose and lips and is scaly), and melanoma (the most deadly). Besides regular, liberal use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen, she suggests checking yourself for tell-tale moles, looking for the “ABCD” characteristics: (A)symmetrical in size, (B)orders are irregular, (C)olors variegated, and (D)iameter greater than 6mm, although some cancerous moles can be smaller. Also wear a broad (3″) rimmed hat and sunglasses anytime you are out in the sun–reflections from the sun onto sand or snow can also damage your skin. Dr. Germain also encouraged us to be aware of our other skin cancer risk factors, including family history, medical conditions or x-ray exposure, especially with the statistics clearly pointing to an increase in recent years of skin cancer deaths (today it is one death every 67 minutes). Her main message: have fun in the sun but be smart and safe!

Submitted by Amy Riley, Keyway committee