w w w . s t h e l e n a h o s p i t a l s . o r g | 7
skip the tan
Hello, Sunshine!
There’s no denying it: Soaking up the
sun and getting a tan can feel really good — especially after a long
season of cold temperatures and pale skin. But (you knew there
was a
but
coming) that good feeling and those tanned arms can
actually be a bad thing.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can permanently damage
the cells of your skin. (A tan is actually a sign of damaged skin.)
This may trigger wrinkles; dark spots; or dry, leathery skin.
Of course, the biggest threat from too much UV exposure is skin
cancer. Time spent sunbathing raises the risk of deadly melanoma
as well as non-melanoma skin cancers. “Many people believe
that skin cancer can take decades to develop, but the truth is
Enjoy the sun,
melanoma is the second most common
cancer in women 20 to 29 years old,”
says Ethan Schram, MD, oncologist and
hematologist at St. Helena Hospital’s
Martin-O’Neil Cancer Center.
Dr. Schram adds, “No one says you have
to hide from the sun — after all, some
sunshine can actually be good for you.
Still, you can’t use that as an excuse to
get a tan.”
n
Slather up.
Use a sunscreen with a sun
protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Put a thick
layer on all parts of your exposed skin before
you head outside, even on slightly cloudy or
cool days.
n
Dress for success.
Wear a hat with a brim
that’s wide enough to shade your face and ears
and the back of your neck. And, as much as
possible, try to wear loose-fitting, long-sleeved
shirts and long pants.
To enjoy the warmth of the sun
without exposing yourself to risk:
To learn more or schedule an appointment,
contact your primary care physician
or Dr. Ethan Schram
at 707.967.5721.
Ethan Schram, MD,
Oncologist and
Hematologist
