Sun Safety for Outdoor Athletes

Athletes and serious recreational exercisers are at high risk for contracting sun-related skin cancers because of the increased amount of time spent in the sun, the lack of protective clothing and the constant sweating. Extra hours spent outdoors in the sun increases the risk of skin cancer or melanoma. Regardless of your skin color, anyone can develop some type of skin cancer.

The reasons for the rise in skin cancer in athletes include:

• Increased time doing outdoor activities
• Decrease in the coverage of clothing worn
• Increased sweating

Skin cancer can occur in anyone; however, some characteristics may increase your personal risk, such as:

• Fair skin
• Blue, green, or hazel eyes
• Light-colored hair
• Freckles
• A tendency to burn rather than tan
• A history of severe sunburns
• Have many moles (over 50 – 100)
• A personal or family history of skin cancer.
• Work outdoors

Preventing Skin Cancer
The following tips can help you prevent skin cancer:

• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day.
• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin
• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors; reapply every two hours.
• Avoid exercising between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, snow and sand. They reflect the damaging rays of the sun.
• Do not burn.
• Any time you notice a new or unusual area on your skin, see your physician.

_Source

The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention