Linda Gardner of Aurora wears a hat in the sun, even in the pool. Unless, it’s midnight swimming, she says with a laugh.
That’s because 15 years ago, her husband Mark noticed an odd spot on her back. On a hunch, she got it checked. Her dermatologist removed it and sent it to the laboratory. It came back precancerous.
“I’m sure it was from those first 20 summers of not using enough sunscreen,” says the fair-skinned redhead who is in her 50s. She now gets regular skin screenings to prevent cancer.
RETIREMENT YEARS AND SUN EXPOSURE
Linda is right, according to her doctor. “Ninety percent of sun exposure starts in first 20 years of your life,” says Dr. Monique Cohn, dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology in Twinsburg. “That’s when you feel no limit on the sun. Then, you get a job and you’re not outside as much.”
Sun exposure may increase during retirement years when activities such as fishing, gardening, boating and motorcycling get folks outdoors for longer hours. Ditching Northeast Ohio for sunnier climates also can expand the exposure.
“Even for adults, it’s worthwhile to be protected. It can still prevent cancers,” Dr. Cohn says. “Especially for men who are now balding and have their whole scalp now exposed, the head is an area we see a lot of pre-cancers developing. They should wear a cap or sunscreen.”
MAKE TIME FOR A CHECKUP
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, affecting one in five Americans, reports The American Academy of Dermatology. In 2016, an estimated 10,130 deaths in the United States will be attributed to the more aggressive melanoma cancer, while another 7,130 will be attributed to other forms of skin cancer. Those numbers have more than doubled since 1982.
Tanning beds are considered part of the problem. They have stronger skin damaging rays and should be avoided, Dr. Cohn says.
She also recommends using a broad spectrum sunblock with UVA and UVB protection. “Look for one with zinc oxide base. It provides a physical block, not just a chemical one.”
Zinc oxide is what lifeguards use. The newer products are lighter and rub in instead of leaving a white coating.
Dr. Cohn recommends an annual skin check for those who have never had cancer and six-month checks for those who have had a positive report. The exam can be simple. While you wear a paper robe, your doctor can discreetly check skin for irregularities that may be precancerous or cancerous. It’s painless.
“If you catch it early, there’s a 99 percent cure rate,” Dr. Cohn says. And, while new treatments are available, prevention is still the best medicine.
