Fulton – Spring is here and summer is on its way. Soon we will be spending plenty of time in the sunshine as we enjoy our favorite outdoor activities. Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) Cancer Prevention in Action program is asking everyone to practice sun safety to avoid sunburns and prevent the chance of developing skin cancer.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight causes nearly all skin cancer cases. NYS Department of Health statistics show that every year approximately 4,000 New Yorkers are diagnosed with melanoma and nearly 500 die from melanoma. In Oswego County an average of 28 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year.
The risk for skin cancer can be greatly reduced when certain precautions are practiced.
OCO’s Cancer Prevention in Action program is working to increase cancer prevention and educating the community on the importance of sun safety.
“Often times when people are outside, whether or work or pleasure, they may not think about the amount of time they exposed to the sun,” said OCO Cancer Services Program Manager Carolyn Handville. “The sun’s powerful UV rays can cause skin damage in a very short time. Many do not realize that the sunburn they have today can develop into skin cancer before any significant signs occur.”
Debbie Farnham’s early detection allowed her doctor to diagnose and treat her skin cancer before it was too late.
“I began to notice a mole on my forehead that would appear occasionally,” she explained. “I didn’t think anything of it at first but then it would appear more often and sometimes raised into a bump. When I had my annual physical my doctor referred me to a dermatologist to examine it closer. A biopsy indicated that I had Basal Cell Carcinoma, which is the most common form of skin cancers. I was surprised because being light skinned, I didn’t spend much time in the sun and never intentionally tanned. And quite often I’d wear a hat and use sunscreen.”
Following her diagnosis Farnham underwent surgery at Housel Dermatology and had the cancer removed. She now has annual exams for skin cancer and has had no cancerous spots detected in the last 4 years.
“Now whenever I am outside, I always wear a hat that covers my face and use sunscreen that has a very high SPF rating, added Farnham. “I would suggest that everyone be very diligent when it comes to sun safety and protecting their skin. I’ve been cancer free for past four years and I intend to remain that way!”
“Debbie was very fortunate that her diagnosis was early enough to be treated successfully,” said Handville. “Her story is an example of how it is essential to practice sun safety and be aware of any suspicious markings on your body. It’s important to remember that only a short time in the sun can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. That’s why it is so important to practice sun safety, and if at all possible, limit exposure to the sun when it is at its peak intensity between 11:00 am and 4:00 p.m.
When you are outdoors, Handville suggests the follow sun safety tips
– Wear full brimmed hats that create a shadow that completely covers the head, face, nose, ears, and neck.
– Wear lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants.
– Apply full-spectrum (UVA & UVB) sunscreen to exposed skin.
– Wear sunglasses that protect against 100% of the sun’s UVA and UVB rays
Oswego County Opportunities is a subcontractor of the St. Lawrence Health Initiative to deliver the Cancer Prevention in Action grant locally in Oswego County. To learn more about the Cancer Prevention in Action Program, which is supported with funds from the state of New York, please visit takeactionagainstcancer.com.
Cancer Prevention in Action (CPiA) is a program administered locally through Oswego County Opportunities. Its mission is to increase cancer prevention. To learn more about the Cancer Prevention in Action Program, which is supported with funds from the state of New York, please visit takeactionagainstcancer.com or contact OCO at 315-592-0830
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