A: It's not a direct, one-to-one relationship, but skin cancer-the most common cancer in the United States-is most commonly caused by excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Although it can be hard to tell at age 20(ish) whether or not you're at risk for melanoma another 20 years down the line, what you do now can protect you later. The power of the sun is in the palm of your hand…
Case in point: covering yourself in purplish bruises seems like an absurd fashion statement. But a suntan or sunburn is the result of similar damage to your skin. When harmful UV rays-either from sunlight or from tanning bulbs-hit your delicate epidermis, your skin cells frantically try to compensate by producing more melanin (the dark pigment that gives your skin its color). But the protection only goes so far! The peeling skin you get after a serious sunburn is the result of skin cell suicide-eek. Furthermore, skin damage from UV rays can cause skin cancer because it mutates your DNA, as well as irritating and wrinkling your skin, damaging your corneas and suppressing your immune system. Sunbathing-not so different from swimming in toxic waste. Who knew? (Quick exception: a small amount of sun exposure helps your body make vitamin D-but as little as five minutes a day can be enough to keep your bones healthy.)
Going tanning-in beds or on beaches-isn't the only kind of dangerous sun exposure, though. Here are a few factors that might put you at a higher risk for sun damage: having fair skin (since you start out with less melatonin to protect you); having a family history of skin cancer or a personal history of serious burns; spending time outside at high altitudes (since you're one step closer to the sun itself); and taking medications, like accutane or certain antibiotics, that increase photosensitivity (so it's a good idea to ask your health care provider if this might be a side effect of your prescription).
"But how can I decrease my risk," you ask? First off, keep out of the sun during its peak hours, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While you are outside, cover up with protective clothing-after all, what's hotter than a wide brim hat? (Answer: nothing.) And of course, sunblock and sunscreen are accessories you can't go without. Contrary to popular belief, they're not quite the same thing; sunblocks, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, absorb or reflect up to 99% of UV and visible light, while sunscreens absorb only specific wavelengths. It's up to you which one you use-sunblocks are usually hypoallergenic, but sunscreens tend to be less messy and easier to use. The most important thing to remember is to just not go into the sun unprotected. Since most sun damage shows up on the face, or across the shoulders in men and on the thighs in women, you should also make sure to give these areas some extra attention.
But if you're not willing to forgo a little extra color during the bleary Amherst winter, sunless tanning lotions (not pills!) are a safe option. Since the active ingredient in these products reacts with dead skin cells, not live ones, they can give you a cancer-free, bronzy glow that will last until those dead cells rub off. Full color appears within 8-24 hours after application, and usually lasts five to seven days.
Even if you take every precaution, skin cancer is still unfortunately a risk. Luckily though, when caught early, it's more than 90 percent treatable. It's a good idea to have a dermatologist give your dermis a once-over every couple of years (more if you're in a high-risk category), and to look out for any changing moles or freckles on your own. Happy Spring Break!
E-mail she@amherst.edu with your questions (we won't ever use your name in the column), and check back in two weeks to see which one we've chosen to tackle. Go forth, and be healthy!