Wardrobe choices raise skin cancer risk

PROVO — At the turn of the century, one person in 15,000 developed skin cancer, said a skin expert at Campus Education Week in Provo. "Now, it's one in 63."

That's because society dresses differently today, said Dr. Robert P. Young, a physician and former president of the Cache Valley Chapter of the American Cancer Society and fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Wardrobe choices dictate what happens to the skin.

Young suggested people look to the past to see how and why statistics may have changed. (In today's world, one person dies of a melanoma every hour.)

"Today, one in five Americans will get basal cell carcinoma, a form of skin cancer," Young said.

"Have you ever seen what they used to wear to the beach?" Young asked. "They covered their skin."

As part of the discussion, Young said farmers of a hundred years ago wore hats, long sleeves and long pants in the sun. Women wore wide-brimmed hats and long skirts.

"Now society says tanning is beautiful. Remember Marilyn Monroe? Her skin was pale white," Young said.

Using sunblock is one of the most important things to do. Young said buyers should make sure the sunblock protects from both UVA and UVB rays.

"Sunscreen can save lives," said Young.

Young also said people should be aware of other ways to protect their skin — particularly at the beach or pool.

"A wet white T-shirt does not protect as much as a dry shirt," Young said. "And some colors guard (the skin) differently than others."

He said what people do with the sun rays when they are young will affect their health as they go into midlife and their elderly years.

"The reason it's important to talk about skin cancer is because many times it kills and many times it can be prevented," Young said

"Sunlight is ultraviolet and radioactive. It effects DNA and fractures skin. The immune system helps that genetic damage heal," Young said.

Not only should people keep their skin protected from the sun but also keep it moisturized. The best moisturizer is petroleum jelly followed by skin creams and lotions.

Young had the class look at the tops of their arms and then turn them over and look at the underside.