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Q&A
For 7/11
Q: How prevalent is skin cancer, and what can I do to prevent it?
A: The American Academy of Dermatology has labeled skin cancer an unrecognized epidemic. Half of all new cancers in the U.S. are skin cancer, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. The chances of developing skin cancer doubles if you have had five or more sunburns. Generally, your risk of developing skin cancer increases with age because the effects of sun damage accumulate over time.
In the past, non-melanoma skin cancers were usually considered a problem for people over age 50. However, more recently the occurrence of non-melanoma cancers in younger adults has increased sharply.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is reaching epidemic levels but is very treatable if caught early. During the past decade, the number of melanoma cases has increased more rapidly than that of any other cancer. Over 51,000 new cases of melanoma are reported to the American Cancer Society annually.
When you head outdoors, be sure to slather on sunscreen to block the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Use generous amounts of a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 that blocks both ultraviolet A and B rays to protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours. Wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Neil Korman, M.D., Ph.D., dermatologist
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Q: How can I prevent heat-related illness when engaging in summer sports?
A: Summer athletes are at risk for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or a potentially fatal heat stroke. To avoid these dangerous complications, build your tolerance slowly, avoid working out in the heat of the day, stay hydrated, take frequent rests, and eat properly. Keep the following tips in mind when you are engaging in summer exercise and sports.
1. Plan ahead for hot weather activities n start at lower levels of exercise intensity and work up slowly. Adults should give themselves about 5 days to acclimate. Children take longer; they need at least 10 days to adjust.
2. Hydrate before engaging in sports/exercise n drink fluids one hour beforehand so you can use the bathroom before you get started!
3. Do not ignore thirst during outdoor activities and sports n take time out to drink.
4. Avoid exercising during the hottest time of day.
5. Wear appropriate clothing. Much of the newer sportswear is lightweight and is made of material designed to wick away sweat. Some even offers protection from UV rays.
Susan Joy, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery and Women’s Health
The Cleveland Clinic
Q: How prevalent is skin cancer, and what can I do to prevent it?
A: The American Academy of Dermatology has labeled skin cancer an unrecognized epidemic. Half of all new cancers in the U.S. are skin cancer, and one in five Americans will develop skin cancer. The chances of developing skin cancer doubles if you have had five or more sunburns. Generally, your risk of developing skin cancer increases with age because the effects of sun damage accumulate over time.
In the past, non-melanoma skin cancers were usually considered a problem for people over age 50. However, more recently the occurrence of non-melanoma cancers in younger adults has increased sharply.
Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is reaching epidemic levels but is very treatable if caught early. During the past decade, the number of melanoma cases has increased more rapidly than that of any other cancer. Over 51,000 new cases of melanoma are reported to the American Cancer Society annually.
When you head outdoors, be sure to slather on sunscreen to block the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. Use generous amounts of a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 that blocks both ultraviolet A and B rays to protect your skin from the sun. Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go out, and reapply every two hours. Wear protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
Neil Korman, M.D., Ph.D., dermatologist
University Hospitals Case Medical Center
Q: How can I prevent heat-related illness when engaging in summer sports?
A: Summer athletes are at risk for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, or a potentially fatal heat stroke. To avoid these dangerous complications, build your tolerance slowly, avoid working out in the heat of the day, stay hydrated, take frequent rests, and eat properly. Keep the following tips in mind when you are engaging in summer exercise and sports.
1. Plan ahead for hot weather activities n start at lower levels of exercise intensity and work up slowly. Adults should give themselves about 5 days to acclimate. Children take longer; they need at least 10 days to adjust.
2. Hydrate before engaging in sports/exercise n drink fluids one hour beforehand so you can use the bathroom before you get started!
3. Do not ignore thirst during outdoor activities and sports n take time out to drink.
4. Avoid exercising during the hottest time of day.
5. Wear appropriate clothing. Much of the newer sportswear is lightweight and is made of material designed to wick away sweat. Some even offers protection from UV rays.
Susan Joy, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery and Women’s Health
The Cleveland Clinic
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