Sun Screen Should Be Farm Safety Equipment Too

More than 600,000 new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year specialist says and will become the most common form of cancer in humans. According to a North Dakota State University agriculture safety specialist, more than 80 percent of this over-exposure to the sun occurs before the age of 18.

The EPA suggests that the ozone layer over the United States has depleted 4 to 5 percent since 1978, approximately double earlier estimates. As a result, there could be 200,000 more deaths due to skin cancer in the next 50 years. "The ozone layer limits penetration of ultraviolet radiation to the Earth's surface. Exposure to the radiation may cause skin cancer and damage plants and aquatic life," Maher says.

Gerry Tetrault, head nurse of the University of Iowa dermatology clinic comments, "For farm kids and farmers, skin cancer is really an occupational hazard."

There are precautions to take if you must be out in the sun for long periods of time. The first is the easiest-cover up. Gerald W. Klinger, an Illinois dermatologist suggests "Cover up with clothing as much as you can." Wear a hat that shades your face, ears. A long sleeve shirt is good protection for your arms. Short sleeve and tank-top shirts leave skin exposed to harmful ultraviolet rays. Working in a tractor cab will give you protection since most of the ultraviolet rays will not penetrate the windows.

Sun screens are also a good means of protection. The higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) the more protection you will receive. "The sun season should be started with an SPF rating of 30 and then gradually work down to a rating of SPF 15," Maher recommends.

Sun screens are also water-based or oil-free which will not cause problems of stickiness and dirt collecting. "Sun screens should be applied about 30 minutes to an hour before going out in the sun. If the sun screen washes off due to perspiration, it needs to be replaced," Maher says. Various sun screen products are resistant to washing off by perspiration or water. Cloudy days do not reduce the problem of over-exposure to the sun. People who are sensitive to the sun still need to use a sun screen on cloudy, overcast days.

Some people can take more exposure to the sun than others and apparently not suffer ill effects. "Persons with red or naturally blond hair and fair skin fall victim to skin cancer more easily," Maher reports. Families with histories of skin cancer are more likely to pass on the condition. Persons with supersensitive skin and/or large moles are very susceptible to skin cancer from over-exposure.

According to Maher there are three types of skin cancer. The most common is basal-cell carcinoma which is also the most curable. A small shiny, pearl-like nodule or bump, on the head, hand or neck is the first sign. If not treated, it can bleed and scab over and then repeat the cycle. It can grow and reach underlying tissues and destroy them if it is not stopped.

The second form of skin cancer is squamous-cell carcinoma. It starts as reddish patches or nodules that have definite outlines. The lips, ears, and face are common places for development. When not treated, this cancer can spread to various parts of the body and continue to grow.

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous skin cancer, and it can be deadly if allowed to spread. However, Maher reports that it is very curable if discovered early. It is predicted that there will be 27,000 new cases of malignant melanoma this year, 1,000 of which the victims will be under the age of 20. People under the age of 39 will make-up 25 percent.

"Most skin cancers are treatable and better yet, preventable. People do not have to give up working and having fun outdoors to prevent skin cancer from developing," Maher says.

Those who suspect that they may have a skin cancer should see a doctor. Skin cancer is dangerous and requires professional care. There is Cancer Information Service available by dialing, toll-free 1-800-4-CANCER.

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, gmaher@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Stephanie Renner (701) 231-8371, Stephanie.Renner@ndsu.nodak.edu