An increasing number of social media influencers are claiming that sunscreen is bad for you to protect yourself against the rays of the sun.  It is best to get your health information from a qualified health professional, such as a dermatologist, instead.

Sun exposure is cumulative and can’t be reverse.  In the summer issue of SCOREGolf magazine (Volume 45, Issue 1), there is an interesting article by Rick Young titled “Unfortunate Sun,” about golf pro Todd Kierstead, who ignored a what he thought was a harmless small spot on the bridge of his nose that turned out to be malignant.  Hours on a golf course during peak UV radiation puts golfers at a higher risk of developing melanoma and skin cancer. A recent study in Australia found that 27.1 percent of golfers (one of your 4-some) are affected by skin cancer!  For Kierstead, that one dimple resulted in five rounds of surgery, 6 – 8 weeks of recovery, additional cosmetic work and regular check-ups for the next five years. If the tumour is deep, then Mohs surgery is recommended which involves micrographic, layer by layer removal of a tumour to maintain healthy tissue around the site.

Skin cancer has three main types:

1. Basal cell carcinoma, the most common and mildest
2. Squamous cell carcinoma, the next most common and slower growing
3. Melanoma, the fastest spreading and most deadly

None of them discriminate. Regardless of age, gender, background, or race, everyone is at risk.  Despite skin cancer being highly preventable, rates of skin cancer continue to rise worldwide, and is more common than prostrate, lung, and colon cancers combined.

Protect yourself from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

• Apply 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours.
• Cover up with UVA and UVB sun protection clothing.
• Wear broad-brimmed, bucket-style hats, and solar sleeves.