More Than a Quarter of Melanoma Survivors Skip Sunscreen, Study Finds

And 2 percent continue to use tanning beds, researchers report

By Amy Norton

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, April 8 (HealthDay News) -- Even people who have survived melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, often fail to protect themselves from the sun, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that of 171 melanoma survivors in a U.S. survey, more than 25 percent said they never used sunscreen when spending more than an hour outside on a sunny day. What's more, 2 percent said they had used tanning beds in the past year.

"They did do a better job of protecting themselves than the average person," said lead researcher Dr. Anees Chagpar, an associate professor of surgery at Yale University's School of Medicine. "But there is room for improvement," she added.

"Maybe we need to be more vigilant about education," said Chagpar, who was to present the findings Monday at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, in Washington, D.C.

The results are based on a 2010 government health survey that included 27,120 U.S. adults, 171 of whom reported a history of melanoma.

Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, accounting for less than 5 percent of skin cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Still, most deaths from skin cancer are due to melanoma -- which often spreads to other parts of the body if it's not caught early.

Because too much ultraviolet (UV) light is a major melanoma risk factor, experts advise everyone to limit their exposure. That means staying in the shade, donning sunscreen and covering up when you're in the sun, and avoiding the tanning salon altogether.

You would expect that if anyone would follow that advice, it would be melanoma survivors, Chagpar said.

And some did, her team found. On days when they were going to be in the sun for more than an hour, one-third of melanoma survivors "always" wore sunscreen, versus 17 percent of other Americans. They were also more likely to always wear a cap (31 percent did) or a long-sleeved shirt (12 percent).

On the other hand, 27 percent of melanoma survivors said they never slathered on sunscreen before spending more than an hour in the sun.

"We were very surprised by that," Chagpar said. What "blew her mind," though, was the fact that 2 percent of melanoma survivors visited tanning beds.

She noted that other researchers are studying the possibility that tanning is addictive for some people. It's possible, Chagpar speculated, that even some melanoma survivors may be hooked on the experience.

A dermatologist not involved in the study agreed that some of the findings are troubling. "It is certainly concerning that a quarter of the melanoma survivors never wear sunscreen," said Dr. Hensin Tsao, a melanoma expert at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

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More Than a Quarter of Melanoma Survivors Skip Sunscreen, Study Finds

And 2 percent continue to use tanning beds, researchers report

By Amy Norton

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, April 8 (HealthDay News) -- Even people who have survived melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, often fail to protect themselves from the sun, a new study suggests.

Researchers found that of 171 melanoma survivors in a U.S. survey, more than 25 percent said they never used sunscreen when spending more than an hour outside on a sunny day. What's more, 2 percent said they had used tanning beds in the past year.

"They did do a better job of protecting themselves than the average person," said lead researcher Dr. Anees Chagpar, an associate professor of surgery at Yale University's School of Medicine. "But there is room for improvement," she added.

"Maybe we need to be more vigilant about education," said Chagpar, who was to present the findings Monday at the American Association for Cancer Research annual meeting, in Washington, D.C.

The results are based on a 2010 government health survey that included 27,120 U.S. adults, 171 of whom reported a history of melanoma.

Melanoma is the least common form of skin cancer, accounting for less than 5 percent of skin cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Still, most deaths from skin cancer are due to melanoma -- which often spreads to other parts of the body if it's not caught early.

Because too much ultraviolet (UV) light is a major melanoma risk factor, experts advise everyone to limit their exposure. That means staying in the shade, donning sunscreen and covering up when you're in the sun, and avoiding the tanning salon altogether.

You would expect that if anyone would follow that advice, it would be melanoma survivors, Chagpar said.

And some did, her team found. On days when they were going to be in the sun for more than an hour, one-third of melanoma survivors "always" wore sunscreen, versus 17 percent of other Americans. They were also more likely to always wear a cap (31 percent did) or a long-sleeved shirt (12 percent).

On the other hand, 27 percent of melanoma survivors said they never slathered on sunscreen before spending more than an hour in the sun.

"We were very surprised by that," Chagpar said. What "blew her mind," though, was the fact that 2 percent of melanoma survivors visited tanning beds.

She noted that other researchers are studying the possibility that tanning is addictive for some people. It's possible, Chagpar speculated, that even some melanoma survivors may be hooked on the experience.

A dermatologist not involved in the study agreed that some of the findings are troubling. "It is certainly concerning that a quarter of the melanoma survivors never wear sunscreen," said Dr. Hensin Tsao, a melanoma expert at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

View the original article here

Daily Sunscreen Helps Middle-Aged Skin Stay Young: Study

By Alan Mozes

HealthDay Reporter

MONDAY, June 3 (HealthDay News) -- In the never-ending search for the fountain of youth, scientists have looked everywhere under the sun. But a group of Australian researchers now report that the answer lies out of the sun.

Regular daily use of sunscreen appears to significantly slow the process of skin aging among middle-aged men and women, they say.

The finding stems from 4.5 years spent tracking sunscreen use and its ultimate impact on skin quality among more than 900 men and women under the age of 55.

"This has been one of those beauty tips you often hear quoted, but for the first time we can back it with science," said study co-author Adele Green, lab head and senior research fellow with the Queensland Institute of Medical Research at Royal Brisbane Hospital. "Protecting yourself from skin cancer by using sunscreen regularly has the added bonus of keeping you looking younger."

"And the study has shown that up to middle age, it's not too late to make a difference," added Green, who also suggested that sunscreen use is likely to similarly benefit those over 55, though her team did not specifically assess a potential benefit among older users.

The findings appear in the June 4 issue of the Annals of Internal Medicine.

Perhaps surprisingly, the authors point out that, to their knowledge, their current effort is the first rigorous scientific exploration of the potential protective effect of sunscreen on skin aging in people.

Green and her team looked at data collected in a study on skin cancer prevention conducted between 1992 and 1996 in Nambour, Australia.

The authors focused on 903 mostly fair-skinned men and women who were under the age of 55, under the assumption that skin aging in that age category would be brought on primarily by so-called "photoaging," as opposed to simply growing older.

Roughly half the participants worked primarily outdoors, while about four in 10 were regular smokers.

All the participants had been randomly assigned to two sunscreen groups. The first was specifically directed to use SPF 15 sunscreen on a daily basis, applying it to their head, neck, arms and hands every morning, and reapplying after bathing, heavy sweating or spending a few hours outside.

The second group was not told to avoid sunscreen, but rather to use it as they wished.

The study also assessed the potential impact of dietary antioxidants on skin quality. Each group of participants was further divided into half, in which one sub-group was given 30 milligrams of beta-carotene to take on a daily basis, while the other was given a sugar pill (placebo).

Using a process called "microtopography," the team then analyzed skin changes such as shifts in texture and roughness, by looking at the status of each participant's left hand.

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New Sunscreen Labels: What to Look For

May 28, 2013 -- Summer is nearly here, and that means it's time to stock up on sunscreen. But as anyone who's slathered or sprayed only to wind up with a stinging sunburn can tell you, not all sun protection is created equal.

"In the past, you almost had to be an organic chemist to know what to look for on sunscreen labels, whether it was protecting you or not," says Darrell Rigel, MD. He is clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center.

New FDA rules for sunscreen labels are going to make it a whole lot easier for people to compare products when they shop for sunscreen. Here's what to look for:

Broad spectrum coverage. Before the new rules, the term "broad spectrum" had no meaning. Now, the FDA allows sunscreens to use the term only if they pass a certain test for blocking UVB and UVA rays.

Broad spectrum products help protect the skin from burning, skin cancer, and sun damage that causes wrinkles and premature skin aging.

SPF above 30. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, refers to the length of time a person can stay out in the sun with the sunscreen on before they'll burn. In theory, the higher the number, the longer your protection lasts.

But SPFs come with a big catch. Sunscreens are tested for SPFs at a certain thickness on the skin, says Rigel, and people rarely use that much.

"The reality is that if you're using a 50 and you're applying half the normal rated amount, you're getting between a 12 1/2 and a 25 at actual use," he says. Higher SPFs offer better insurance against sunburn, in case you don't put enough on.

Water resistance. Your old sunscreen might have claimed to be "waterproof" or "sweat proof." Those terms are no longer allowed under the new FDA rules because they are misleading, Rigel says. Instead, bottles will now say whether a sunscreen is water resistant for 40 or 80 minutes.

The new sunscreen rules are helpful, but they're not perfect. They don't yet apply to newer formulations, like sprays and powders, so people are still on their own when trying to judge the effectiveness of those products, Rigel says.

The new labels also don't tell you anything about how sticky, gooey, or greasy a product feels, and that's important, Rigel says, since "sunscreens only work if you use them."

Once you've found a product you like, be sure to use it correctly. The American Academy of Dermatology offers these tips for proper application.

Use enough. Most adults need a full ounce of sunscreen to fully cover all exposed areas of skin. An ounce is the amount in a shot glass or enough to fully cover the palm of your cupped hand.

Use it early. Sunscreen takes about 15 minutes to absorb into the skin, so put it on before you head outdoors.

Use it often. Sunscreen should to be reapplied every 2 hours, even if it has a high SPF. Be sure to put more on immediately after swimming or sweating.

Don't use expired products. Sunscreen loses its effectiveness when it starts to separate, which happens 2 to 3 years after it was made. Toss any products that are expired, or that look gritty or have changed appearance.

Never rely on sunscreen alone. Experts also advise covering up with sun protective clothing, including a hat with a wide brim and sunglasses. Try to avoid the sun altogether during midday.

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New sunscreen labels offer clearer sunburn, skin cancer information

Posted May 21, 2013, 1:56 pm

With the unofficial start of summer just a few days away, many people will soon be stocking up on sunscreen. The products they’ll be seeing in stores look different than they have in the past. That’s because new rules for sunscreen labels are now in effect. The changes are good ones for consumers.

The new rules, mandated by the FDA, are making sunscreen more informative with less misleading information. For example, the term “sunblock” is banned because none of these products can block all of the sun’s ultraviolet rays. “Waterproof” is also banned, replaced by “water-resistant”—which must be accompanied by a set time for reapplication. Another big change has to do with SPF, or sun protection factor.

When sunlight hits your skin, it is being exposed to ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn, while UVA can prematurely age and wrinkle skin. Both contribute to skin cancer. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

The best protection comes from a sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection, meaning it filters out much of the UVA and UVB. Under the new FDA rules, if a label says “broad spectrum,” the product must pass tests proving that it truly protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

SPF is a measurement of how much longer it takes for your skin to turn red from the sun after applying the sunscreen. Say your skin turns red after 10 minutes in the sun. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 would prevent your skin from turning red for 150 minutes under the same conditions. You’d think that an SPF of 30 would work twice as well as an SPF of 15. But that’s not necessarily the case. While SPF 15 filters out approximately 93% of all incoming UVB rays, SPF 30 filters out 97% and SPF 50 boosts that to 98%.

Sunscreen products that don’t meet an SPF of 15 or higher for both UVA and UVB must now carry a warning like this: Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert: Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product has been shown only to prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.

The FDA says there’s no evidence that sunscreens with an SPF above 50 offer any additional protection. It had initially wanted to ban sunscreen makers from including SPFs higher than 50 on labels, but blowback from the industry has so far tabled that.

To reduce your risk of skin cancer and early aging, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with the following features listed on the label:

“Broad spectrum,” which means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB raysSPF of 30 or higherWater-resistant for up to 40 or 80 minutes

Nonchalantly slapping on some sunscreen here and there will miss spots and often provide insufficient protection against sunburn and skin cancer. Be systematic when using sunscreen:

Apply it before you go out.Make sure you apply enough and apply frequently. Use 1 ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass full) to cover your body and face.Reapply sunscreen immediately after swimming or heavy sweating, using the time guide on the label.Apply every 2 hours if you don’t get in the water and don’t sweat.

Even the best sunscreen can’t protect you from all of the sun’s rays. Here are some other ways to protect yourself from skin cancer, sunburn, and early aging of skin:

Wear clothing made from tightly woven fabrics or those that absorb UVA and UVB.Avoid the sun from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when its rays are most intense.Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep ultraviolet rays off your face.Stay in the shade.Pay attention to reflection from water, sand, and snow (in the winter).Watch for news reports that give the UV index in your area. A UV index reading of 2 or less means low danger from the sun’s ultraviolet rays for the average person.Examine your skin regularly for any new moles or changes in moles. Ask your doctor about any changes you see.

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Kids’ Summer Sun Safety: Sunscreen, Clothes, Hats, and More

Brush up on your knowledge of sunscreen and sun protection for infants through middle school-aged kids.

Lazy days at the pool or beach are warm weather rituals for many families. But if you're tempted to let your child play outdoors for even a few minutes without the proper sun protection, you’re taking an unhealthy risk.

"It only takes one severe sunburn to potentially double your child's chances of getting melanoma later in life," says Andrea Cambio, MD, FAAD, a board-certified pediatric dermatologist. "We really need to buckle down and protect our young."

Remember how much you marveled at your baby's smooth skin? Don't let the sun destroy that beautiful canvas. Ultraviolet sunlight damages the skin and can lead to wrinkles and cancers later on. There is no such thing as a healthy tan; a tan is a sign of sun damage.

Always put sunscreen on your child before going outside. Make a fun game out of it. Teach your child to spell BEENS to help you remember to cover often-forgotten spots: Back of knees, Ears, Eye area, Neck, and Scalp.

Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. Then reapply every 2 hours, or sooner if your child has been swimming. Water-resistant sunscreen wears off -- check the label to see how soon you'll need to reapply.

If your child attends school or daycare, make sure teachers are told to apply sunscreen before any outdoor activities.

Can't decide which sunscreen is best for your child? Cambio and pediatrician Jerome A. Paulson, MD, FAAP, medical director for national and global affairs at the Child Health Advocacy Institute of Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., shared some child-friendly recommendations.

Their No. 1 tip: Choose a sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide because the compounds are less irritating than others and do not get absorbed into the skin. "These ingredients are probably the safest ones out there right now," Paulson says.

There is some concern that other sunscreen ingredients, particularly oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A), may cause harm. However, both chemicals are FDA approved for use in sunscreens.

Other tips:

Opt for a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.Make sure it's labeled "broad spectrum," which means it blocks both UVA and UVB sunlight.Let your child choose a colored or scented sunscreen. Nix this idea if your child has sensitive skin or an allergic skin disorder, such as eczema.Sunscreen sticks are best for the face because they are less likely to drip.Cambio likes spray-on sunscreens for kids because they are easy to apply. Cover your child's face while spraying, or have him make a funny face or hold his breath for five seconds.

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