Proper precautions can prevent skin cancer Published June 12, 2006 By Senior Airman Ticia Hopkins 347th Rescue Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. (AFPN) -- Air Force health officials are reminding Airmen that simple precautions during the summer can help lower the risk of skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 1 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancers diagnosed yearly are considered to be sun-related. While short-term overexposure can lead to sunburns, long-term effects can develop into wrinkles, freckles, age or liver spots, dilated blood vessels, leathery skin and possibly skin cancer, said Capt. Wendi Wohltmann, 38th Rescue Squadron aerospace flight surgeon here. “No one is immune to skin cancer,” she said. “(and) sunburns increase your risk of it.” In 2006, ACS officials said it is projecting more than 60,000 people to be diagnosed with melanoma skin cancers, with more than 7,000 of them resulting in death. Most skin cancers develop on the face, ears, neck, lips and even the back of the hands due to their exposure to the sun. Melanoma skin cancer begins in the cells that produce coloring or pigment. These cells are actually used to protect the skin’s deeper layers from the sun’s harmful effects. While melanoma is curable if caught early and is only a small percentage of annual skin cancers, it causes the most deaths. When it comes to skin cancer, several risk factors come into play: -- Family history -- Fair complexion-- Multiple atypical moles -- Unprotected or excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation -- Occupational exposures to coal, tar, pitch, creosote or arsenic compounds -- Severe sunburns as a child “There are two different factors (relating to skin cancer),” the captain said. “One is the genetic component, and then there’s sun exposure. So, (even) if it doesn’t run in your family, you can still get it from sun exposure. “The most damaging sun exposure leading to skin cancer happens before the age of 18,” Captain Wohltmann said. “It’s because children are not protected (with sunscreen) and they are not taught proper sun-protection methods.” Captain Wohltmann recommends children wear hats, sun-protective clothing and sunscreen. She also recommends the same things for anyone who must be exposed to the sun for long periods, whether it’s work-related or recreational. Although skin cancer affects more people every year, there are ways to prevent this disease and still enjoy everyday activities, especially during the summer. “No matter what your skin type, you should still be wearing sunscreen,” Captain Wohltmann said. “People with (darker skin tones may) take longer to burn, but they can still burn.” Even though skin cancer is preventable, early detection can also help save lives. “If you’re already (sun) damaged, then it’ll help you from getting further damaged,” Captain Wohltmann said. "You can never start too late."