West Central PA News

After a harsh winter, many are eager for the warmth of spring and summer. However, as people plan outdoor activities, it's crucial to protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to sunburn or skin cancer.

Skin cancer is prevalent in the United States, largely due to UV exposure from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. "The skin is the body’s largest organ," stated Hazem F. Elkassas, MD, an internal medicine and medical oncology specialist at Penn Highlands Oncology/Hematology. "While the skin has several layers, the two main layers are the epidermis and the dermis. Skin cancer begins in the epidermis that is made up of three kinds of cells – squamous, basal and melanocytes."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), basal and squamous cell carcinomas are common forms of skin cancer. These types are generally treatable but expensive and can leave scars. Melanoma starts in melanocytes and is more lethal because it spreads to organs like the brain and liver.

Protection against UV rays includes avoiding tanning beds, wearing sunscreen with broad spectrum protection against UVA (causes aging) and UVB (causes burns), covering arms and legs with clothing, wearing hats with wide brims for face coverage, using wrap-around sunglasses, and avoiding sun exposure between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Sunscreens should have a minimum SPF of 30 to block 97% of rays. They aren't waterproof; water-resistant ones last 40 minutes in water while very water-resistant last up to 80 minutes. Reapplication after swimming or every two hours is advised.

Penn Highlands Healthcare provides outpatient cancer treatment services across its region including screenings like mammograms and prostate tests for early detection when cancers are most treatable.