The Sun is Not Your Friend
- Gary Jones, 63, sunbathed his whole life whenever he couldeven on lunch breaks. Now the former Ford worker has advanced skin cancer and wants to warn others of the horrific dangers of the sun.
- The grandfather of nine says there wasn’t any advocacy for sun safety when he was growing up like there is now. Gary liked the way the sun made him feel, so he would slather on baby oil and even use tanning beds, but is unfortunately now paying the price.
- Covering up in the sun, using at least 30 SPF, and limiting your exposure during the sun’s peak hours are some ways you can protect yourself from skin cancer.
The Wales, UK native, who is currently going through radiation, is now wishing he lived life more carefully.
Read MoreWhen Gary finally went in to get care, his doctors found more lumps. His skin cancer had unfortunately already spread to his lymph nodes and he had to endure a four-and-a-half-hour surgery to removed the lymph nodes behind his ears.
Gary’s wife Helen was in tears when she learned of her husband’s advanced skin cancer diagnosis. “I know it's my own stupidity,” the father of four and grandfather of nine said. Now only able to spend a minute or two in the sun, Gary tries to help protect his familyand anyone he canby encouraging them to be safe, wear sunscreen, and try to limit time in the sun.
“The sun safety message wasn't there when I was a teenager. I sunbathed in baby oil and coconut oil,” Gary shared. A common story with people of his age group. The sun’s dangers weren’t as known then, and sunscreen wasn’t really too much of a thing during that time.
We live and we learn, but we can’t beat ourselves up for getting cancer.
Gary may have no control over his current health situation, but by sharing his story, he can potentially help save others who aren’t being as smart about skin protection.
"I was a great believer in the sun. I loved having a tan it made me feel good about myself.”
Sadly, not anymore.
Protecting Yourself from the Sun
Many people slather on sunscreen every day, but if you're not choosing the right type or not using enough, it may not be working.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, recommends you use no less than SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours. Your sunscreen should also be broad spectrum, says Dr. Larocca, meaning it covers both UVB and UVA rays.
Choose the Right Sunscreen and Use it Often
According to Dr. Larocca, people usually only get about 50% of the SPF on the label. So, if you're using SPF 60, you're really getting closer 30 SPF of protection. To make sure you're getting the right protection, she also recommends using sunscreen every two hours and wearing protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses.
Woman, 57, Sunbathed Constantly As A Child40 Year Later It Turned Into Cancer
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network says that you should follow the following guidelines:
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside
- Use at least SPF 30 broad spectrum sunblock and reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
Following these sun safety tips will help reduce your risk of skin damage and future skin cancer.
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