The serious side of summer Published July 17, 2013 By Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Foster 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Skin cancer is becoming more prevalent in the United States, with an estimated 3.5 million new cases each year. Even a single sunburn increases the risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Suffering five or more sunburns doubles the lifetime risk. "July is UV Safety Month so we're using this to make sure people realize the damage that can be caused by UV light," said Orlagh Pawlyk, Civilian Health Promotion Services Health Promotion coordinator. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15 to 29 years old. "Melanoma is increasing faster in females 15 to 29 years old than males in the same age group," said Pawlyk. "For females in that age group, the torso is the most common location for developing melanoma, which is more than likely due to high-risk tanning behaviors." UV light stimulates the production of melanin, or pigment. These surround the cells and move up to the surface of the skin, with the result being a tan. Even though this tan is acting to protect the body, tanning has occurred because of damage. Exposure to UV light stimulates melanin because the UV rays "break" parts of the DNA and one of the pieces that "breaks" off, triggers the production of melanin, otherwise known as tanning. "Unfortunately, it is the initial 'breaking' of the DNA to stimulate melanin production that can damage your skin permanently and lead to skin cancer," Pawlyk said. To tell the difference between a benign mole and melanoma, use the ABCDE rule. "A" stands for asymmetry. Asymmetry means one half of a mole does not match the other half. Normal moles are symmetrical. When checking moles or freckles, draw an imaginary line through the middle and compare the two halves. If they do not look the same on both sides, have it checked by a dermatologist. "B" stands for Borders. If the border or edges of the mole are ragged, blurred or irregular, have it checked by a dermatologist. Melanoma lesions often have uneven borders. "C" stands for Color. A mole that does not have the same color throughout or that has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white or red is suspicious. Normal moles are usually a single shade of color. A mole of many shades or that has lightened or darkened should be checked by a doctor. "D" stands for Diameter. A mole is suspicious if the diameter is larger than the eraser of a pencil. Benign moles are usually less than six millimeters in diameter. Small lesions that are smaller than a pencil eraser are usually not something to be concerned about. "E" stands for Elevation. If a portion of the mole appears elevated, or raised from the skin, have it looked at by a doctor. Follow these simple tips for skin cancer prevention: -Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. -Do not burn -Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths -Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses -Use a broad spectrum, UVA/UVB, sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum, UVA/UVB, sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher -Apply one ounce, or approximately 2 tablespoons, of sunscreen to the entire body 30 minutes before going outside -Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating -Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months. -Examine skin head-to-toe every month. -See a physician every year for a professional skin exam. Hanscom Civilian Health Promotion Services will be offering a class on Skin Cancer on July 22 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Health and Wellness Center Classroom in Building 1540. The class will discuss ways to spot skin changes, treatment and prevention of this deadly disease. To register for this class, free of charge, please contact Pawlyk at 781-225-6377 or email Hanscom.CHPS@hanscom.af.mil.