May 1, 2025 – Sulphur Springs, Texas – Skin cancer is the number one cancer men are diagnosed with in the United States. Not to worry, the Hopkins County Health Care Foundation has men covered with some skin saving facts.
By age 65, men are twice as likely as women to develop melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Additionally, men are more likely to die from a skin cancer diagnosis than women. This is partly because men are less likely to attend regular checkups which delays the detection of health issues and shortens the window for effective treatment. Men’s skin is also approximately 20% thicker than women’s, meaning there are more layers of skin cells that UV rays can mutate, increasing the risk of cancer.
UVA and UVB are the two types of ultraviolet rays that affect the skin. UVA penetrates the skin most deeply and causes inflammation, wrinkles, and skin cancer. UVB primarily affects the outer layers of the skin, causing sunburns and potentially leading to cell mutations that result in skin cancer.
For protection from both UVA and UVB, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using broad spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 30 or higher. Up to 80% of UV rays successfully pass through clouds, so even overcast days call for SPF.
Ever wonder what SPF is? It stands for Sun Protection Factor, or the measurement of effectiveness a sunscreen has at protecting specifically from UVB. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect from both UVA and UVB, providing more protection than regular sunscreen.
All sunscreens should be reapplied every 2 to 3 hours to renew protection. When applying sun protection, remember to cover the skin on the scalp, ears, and even the tops of hands and feet. These areas of skin are often forgotten but are just as important.
Clothing can also be used as an extra measure of sun protection. Dark colors and brightly saturated colors absorb UV rays before they can reach the skin underneath. Some clothing offers UPF, also known as ultraviolet protection factor, which is a measurement of how well fabric blocks UV rays. For example, if a shirt has a UPF of 50, that means only 1/50th of UV can pass through, effectively blocking 98% of both UVA and UVB rays.
UPF clothing is most effective if it is worn loosely and kept dry. Stretching the fabric creates more space between fibers for UV to sneak in, whereas wet fabric becomes more transparent, also allowing more exposure to UV. Look for the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation when buying UPF clothing. The seal only applies for fabrics with at least a UPF rating of 50.
Keep a watchful eye for concerning spots, moles, and bumps anywhere on the body. If a skin blemish changes over time, has unclear borders, has multiple colors, or itches, please see a dermatologist. These characteristics can be signs of skin cancer and should be addressed by a professional. As mowing, gardening, and golfing season are in full swing, please consider the harmful long-term effects of sun exposure before going outside without sunscreen. Even incidental sun exposure can increase skin cancer risk.
The Foundation is an IRS-designated 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization committed to the advancement of local healthcare by funding equipment, programs, and construction for both the Hopkins County Hospital District and the local hospital, CHRISTUS Mother Frances Hospital – Sulphur Springs since 1997.
###
