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Summer Sun Safety: How to Avoid Skin Cancer

By U.S. News & World Report

Summer is officially here, and many of us are enjoying outdoor activities and lots of time in the sun at the beach or pool. While sun exposure is important for many reasons — for example, production of Vitamin D, your mood and healthy circadian rhythms — our time in the sun can also be associated with a significant health risk: cancer. According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common type of cancer in the U.S. is skin cancer, and the two most common types are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Both of these are serious and require prompt treatment, but survival rates are quite good with therapy. However, melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — has a far worse prognosis.

It’s estimated that almost 10,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Researchers estimate that 5.4 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, were treated in the United States in 2012. This year, approximately 76,100 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed and treated — and close to 10,000 patients will die from melanoma.

It’s important to note that 75 percent of all skin cancer deaths are from malignant melanoma. It’s most commonly found among fair-skinned people, but people of all skin types can get it. There are pre-cancerous abnormalities that your dermatologist can detect during routine screening, and it’s important to get regular skin exams. One of the most common pre-cancerous skin lesions is called an actinic keratosis, which are patches of thick, scaly or crusty skin. These are due to sun exposure as well and, if untreated, turn into squamous cell cancers about 20 percent of the time.

Since exposure to ultraviolet light — from the sun and tanning beds — is a major risk factor for melanoma and all other skin cancers and pre-cancers, wearing sunscreen should be top of the list as a prevention aid.

[See: 9 Surprising Facts About Sunscreen.]

Why Does Skin Cancer Develop in the First Place?

While we know that exposure to ultraviolet light is the culprit for most skin cancers, it’s also important to understand exactly how this exposure can result in disease. Cancer of the skin occurs when the genetic code or DNA of skin cells is damaged by UV exposure and its associated radiation dose. In general, we think of a cancer as the uncontrolled growth of a particular type of cell. In the case of UV light exposure, the resultant genetic damage causes mutations that can allow for the uncontrolled growth of a particular type of skin cells, and when this occurs you develop cancer.

Skin Cancer Treatment

It’s important to see a dermatologist on a yearly basis to have a comprehensive skin exam or if you notice a change in a mole or the development of a new skin abnormality. Most skin cancers can be treated and cured with local removal with either liquid nitrogen treatments or minor surgery. Some cancers — such as melanoma — may also require more extensive surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. However, early diagnosis and treatment is essential to improving all skin cancer outcomes. Additionally, removal of pre-cancerous lesions can be important to the progression of the disease over time.

[See: 7 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer.]

Skin Cancer Prevention

The best way to prevent skin cancer in general is to cover up in the sun, plus wear sunscreen on exposed areas of skin. Choosing a sunscreen can be confusing, as there are many different types available over the counter. It’s important to understand what the labels mean and what type of protection you’re getting when you purchase a particular product.

Sunscreens prevent the sun’s ultraviolet radiation from reaching the skin. There are two types of ultraviolet radiation: Ultraviolet A, or UVA, and Ultraviolet B, or UVB. These damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. In addition, these rays also prematurely age your skin and increase your propensity for wrinkles. UVA is the longer wave UV ray that causes lasting skin damage and skin aging, and can cause skin cancer, as well. UVB is the shorter wave UV ray that causes sunburns and skin damage, and can cause skin cancer. Both of these forms of radiation are dangerous and must be avoided if at all possible.

It’s important to note that sunscreens may vary greatly in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB. As a consumer, it’s vital that you understand what you’re buying and what type of protection the product you choose may or may not provide.

The Food and Drug Administration recently tightened restrictions on the labeling of commercially available sunscreen. For example, sunscreens may be labeled “broad-spectrum” if they provide protection against both UVA and UVB. And only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher may state that they help protect against skin cancer and early skin aging if used as directed with other sun protection measures.

When preparing for a day in the sun, it’s important to use broad-spectrum sunscreens in order to protect against skin cancer — by blocking both types of ultraviolet waves.

[See: What Causes Cancer? 5 Unlikely Claims Explained.]

However, it’s also important to understand that sunscreen alone is not enough to protect your skin. It’s essential to practice smart sun safety habits, whether at home or while on vacation, and to take care not to burn. Remember: Sunburn is a clear sign that the DNA in your skin cells has been damaged and, over time, this can lead to skin cancer. The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention recommends:

1. Seek shade when the sun is at its strongest.

2. Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a wide-brimmed hat.

3. Wear sunglasses.

4. Avoid sun exposure in the heat of the day, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when UV exposure risk is at its highest.

So, while summer affords us more time in the sun, make sure to protect yourself and your family from the potential dangers. Remember, sunscreen and shade are your best defense against the dangerous UV rays that cause cancer.

More from U.S. News

7 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

6 Health Hazards to Watch Out for This Summer Other Than Skin Cancer

9 Surprising Facts About Sunscreen

Summer Sun Safety: How to Avoid Skin Cancer originally appeared on usnews.com

Don’t Settle for Student Loans to Pay for Online Education

By WTOP Staff
Online college programs are becoming a more popular choice for prospective students, with one study finding that more than 6 million students enrolled in at least one online course in fall 2015. The popularity of these courses can be attributed in part to their flexibility with working adults' schedules, students' ability to progress more quickly through online programs and, oftentimes, cheaper tuition. [See 10 low-cost online bachelor's programs for out-of-state students.]Online degrees can be beneficial to many college students, but some studies have shown online learners complete their programs at lower rates than students at traditional brick-and-mortar campuses. Individuals with student loans but no degree comprise two-thirds of defaulted borrowers. Though these numbers are not encouraging, just like for traditional programs, there are ways to reduce how much you'll need to borrow for an online program to ensure you won't become one of these statistics. Don't just settle on borrowing student loans to cover the whole cost of your program and living expenses. Instead, start thinking about how to cut costs and cover your balance in different ways, such as the following. -- Grants and scholarships: Even though you are taking an online course, you can still apply and receive grants and scholarships. But your first step should be to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, which will allow you to receive a Pell Grant if your expected family contribution is low enough. The EFC criteria and award amounts are adjusted annually, but the 2017-2018 academic year awards range from $606 to $5,920, which could significantly lower the amount you borrow annually. Your next step is to apply for scholarships. You can start by checking online scholarship search engines, such as the Salt Scholarship Search, College Board's BigFuture and Peterson's. But don't forget to take advantage of local organizations and your school's financial aid office. Both may offer scholarships that you can't find with a national scholarship search. [Review these 10 sites to kick off your scholarship search.]For instance, organizations like the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus or the Rotary Club typically offer scholarships annually to local students. Just because you're going to school online doesn't mean you're ineligible. Visit your local library for scholarship listings, and ask around town. You might be surprised how many local organizations offer scholarships. While these scholarships typically aren't large, every little bit counts. Each dollar you receive in a scholarship is a dollar you don't have to borrow and pay interest on. -- Work-study: Another option for online students may be work-study awards. Not all students enrolled in online programs are eligible, but students at some schools -- including, for example, SUNY Empire State College and Liberty University -- are. Work-study awards are not given upfront like scholarships and grants. In most cases, they are an offer to earn up to the awarded amount if you secure an eligible work-study job. While there is a misconception that all work-study jobs must be on campus, students can work for off-campus, nonprofit or public employers as long as the work is in the public's interest. You may be able to work for a for-profit employer if the job is relevant to your course of study. No matter who the outside employer is, it will need to have an established agreement with your college for you to receive work-study funds. Remember, to be eligible for federal financial aid, you must be enrolled and pursuing a degree or certificate. If you're not working toward a credential, Pell Grants and work-study won't be option, but you may still be able to take advantage of private scholarships -- just be sure to read the eligibility criteria carefully. [Explore what to know about financial aid in online programs.]-- Pay as you go: One of the great benefits to enrolling online is the flexible schedule, which can allow you to complete your college coursework around your responsibilities. But prospective students often overlook using their part- or full-time job earnings as an option for paying for college. Almost 80 percent of college students in 2015 worked at least part time while attending classes, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. By budgeting and thinking strategically about your college costs, you can likely reduce your dependence on student loans by paying a portion out of pocket. Many -- but not all -- online programs are less expensive than traditional programs and often have shorter payment periods. Six, eight or 10 weeks are common course durations. Because of the frequency of payments in an online setting, you may be well-placed to pay as you go and possibly avoid borrowing altogether. Attending college online and avoiding student loans may be challenging, but if you are willing to put in the effort, you can limit the amount you need to borrow. More from U.S. News Q&A: Understanding Student Loan Discharge Eligibility Student Loan Refinancing Isn't Right for All Borrowers
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