The Importance of Skin Cancer Prevention
- After undergoing pre-cancer treatment, sportscaster Jamie Campbell, 56, is urging others to use sunscreen and understand the dangers of sun exposure, even if you’re simply driving a car.
- According to research published in the JAMA Network back in July 2016, titled “Assessment of Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshields and Side Windows,” ultraviolet A (UV-A) light is linked with the risks of cataract and skin cancer.
- The research found that although the front windshield keeps out 94 percent of UV rays, the window on the driver’s side only blocks 71 percent of UVA rays.
- To prevent skin cancer, dermatologists recommend using a minimum of SPF 30 to protect yourself from harmful sun rays, and reapplying every two hours.
Campbell’s absence from this year’s World Series coverage is certainly understandable and we’re glad to see him taking time for his health and informing others of the dangers of sun exposure.
Read MoreThe Toronto Blue Jays commentator, who is living with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a blood cancer controlled with medication, recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to share how his face looks after undergoing photodynamic therapy, treatment the National Cancer Institute describes as “uses a drug that is activated by light, called a photosensitizer or photosensitizing agent, to kill cancer cells.”View this post on Instagram
He wrote, “Treatment of ‘pre-skin cancer’ prevents me from being part of the @Sportsnet/World Series broadcast, for now. This is not fun, so please cover up, find shade, and use sunscreen. Thanks to @SNBradFay for taking over.”
Campbell followed up with another photo, explaining, “This might help someone. I was told much of the damage on the left side was caused while DRIVING.
“Who puts on sunscreen before driving? Not me. Won’t make that mistake again.”
Treatment of “pre-skin cancer” prevents me from being part of the @Sportsnet World Series broadcast, for now. This is not fun, so please cover up, find shade, and use sunscreen. Thanks to @SNBradFay for taking over. pic.twitter.com/Nap9K8dmkK
— Jamie Campbell (@SNETCampbell) October 30, 2023
In a recent interview with TODAY.com, Campbell opened up about why his face appeared the way it did after pre-skin cancer treatment
He told the news outlet, “It ended up making my face look like I’d been barbecued. It was so profound that my network and I just decided it would be best if someone substitute in for me.”
Campbell’s face looked red, raw, and somewhat bloodied after the procedure.
Leading up to his diagnosis of precancerous skin growths, Campbell admitted he “would never, ever have considered putting on sunscreen to drive.”
He ultimately was told by his dermatologist that his face’s left side saw more damage from the sun as a result of sun exposure from his car window.
https://twitter.com/SNETCampbell/status/1719352788692467972?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1719352788692467972%7Ctwgr%5E2d6d4eb1930ff82fc79aa8a3aeed61236d21d189%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftorontosun.com%2Fnews%2Flocal-news%2Fpre-skin-cancer-campbell-explains-why-hes-missing-world-series
Campbell first noticed what seemed to be a growth on his right temple back in August, a discovery which prompted him to seek advice from his dermatologist.
At the time, he was told the apparent growth was simply dead skin that had accumulated, but his doctor still did a full-body skin check to be safe, which led him to be diagnosed with pre-cancerous skin growths, which he explains as “tiny red splotches.”
The American Academy of Dermatology explains, “If you have any growths on your skin that look like these, you may have a precancerous growth called actinic keratosis (AK). Precancerous skin growths develop on skin that’s gotten lots of sun over the years.”
Explaining the photodynamic therapy Campbell underwent, he recounted light being applied to his skin for “seven torturous minutes,” which felt “like someone holding a blow torch to your face.”
Campbell, who had the left side of his face treated in October and the right side of his face treated in November, admits he’s now extra cautious and always has a small tube of sunscreen accessible, even if he’s taking a short drive somewhere.
The sportscaster understands all too well how it’s important to put his health first, especially since he was diagnosed with a common blood cancer called chronic lymphocytic leukemia after having a “random blood test” done in January 2021.
In an earlier in interview with CTV News, Campbell revealed his optimistic outlook on his diagnosis.
He said, “As odd as that may sound, in my case it has, because I see life differently. I spend time with the people I love in a different manner. It’s almost like a light shines on them that I never got to enjoy prior to this diagnosis.”
Cancer Causing Rays Get Through Car Windows
Sun exposure in the car is a real thing, but often something we don’t pay much attention to because we “feel” like we are inside. However, it may increase your exposure to the sun’s harmful rays. If you’ve got an upcoming road trip, or if you community daily to work or other activities, here’s what you need to know.
Your windshield protects you and your co-pilot from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays tan and age your skin. UVB rays burn it. But the side windows don’t offer that same protection. Now, it’s unlikely you’ll get a sunburn through your car windows, but the sun can still do harm.
“UVB rays don’t penetrate glass, but UVA rays do, and while these rays won’t give you a sunburn, they do contribute to skin cancer,” board-certified dermatologist Rebecca Baxt, MD, previously told SurvivorNet.
Studies suggest that sun exposure in cars is a common contributor to skin cancer. One study found that nearly three out of four skin cancers develop on the left side of the body, the part that gets the most exposure to the sun when you drive. Baxt says this plays out in her practice, as well, where most of the suspicious lesions she sees are also on the left side.
According to research published in the JAMA Network back in July 2016, titled “Assessment of Levels of Ultraviolet A Light Protection in Automobile Windshields and Side Windows,” ultraviolet A (UV-A) light is linked with the risks of cataract and skin cancer.
The research found that although the front windshield keeps out 94 percent of UV rays, the window on the driver’s side only blocks 71 percent of UVA rays.
“The level of front-windshield UV-A protection was consistently high among automobiles. The level of side-window UV-A protection was lower and highly variable,” the research states in its conclusion.
“These results may in part explain the reported increased rates of cataract in left eyes and left-sided facial skin cancer. Automakers may wish to consider increasing the degree of UV-A protection in the side windows of automobiles.”
Yes, You Need Sun Protection Even in the Car
It’s easy to remember to slather on sunscreen when you’re basking in the sun’s warm glow on the beach in the Caribbean. Not so much, when you’re driving to see friends or family. But that same sun shines onto your skin no matter where you are.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to protect yourself and your passengers. You can:
- Install transparent UV-blocking film in your windows.
- Hang shades in the back windows to protect children.
- Have your windows UV shielded from the factory when you buy a new car.
- Wear protective clothing.
Dr. Cecilia Larocca Explains How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
And, of course, sunscreen works, too. Just make sure to use “broad spectrum” protection. That means it protects against both types of UV rays. ”
“We don’t have shades or UV shielding in our car,” Baxt says. “Sunscreen is what we do to protect.”
But don’t forget the younger members of your family. You shouldn’t put sunscreen on infants younger than six months old. For these little ones, use a window shade, hats and protective clothes.
Reducing Your Skin Cancer Risk
Dr. Dendy Engelman, a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue, previously spoke with SurvivorNet about some things you can do every day to help minimize your risk of skin cancer.
- Avoid the sun during peak hours: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect the tops of our heads, the tops of our ears and the delicate area around the eye.
- Wear at least SPF 30 sunscreen and make sure to reapply every two hours or after excessive sweating or swimming.
- Have yearly skin checks (with a professional) because it’s difficult to evaluate areas all over the body.
- Avoid tanning beds. There are no “good” tanning beds, and they can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer.
- And remember that skin protection is equally important all year round.
Protecting Your Skin From Cancer
“My patients ask me all the time, ‘Do I really need sunscreen every day, all year round?’ The answer is yes,” Dr. Engelman told SurvivorNet.
“People think they only need sun protection when they’re in the bright, warm sunshine. But the reality is, we can get sun damage at any time throughout the year, even in the cold, wintry months. Think about when you go skiing. That’s a very high risk. Even though it’s cold, our skin should be protected.”
Dr. Cecilia Larocca, a dermatologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, also spoke with SurvivorNet in an earlier interview and suggests people use nothing less than SPF 30 and reapply it every two hours. Additionally, sunscreen should be a broad spectrum, says Dr. Larocca, meaning it covers both UVB and UVA rays.
MORE: Choose the Right Sunscreen and Use It Often
According to Dr. Larocca, people usually only get about 50% of the SPF on the label. Therefore, if you’re using SPF 60, you’re actually nearing 30 SPF of protection. To be positive you’re receiving the right protection, Dr. Larocca also recommends using sunscreen every two hours and wearing protective clothing, like sunglasses or a hat.
Knowing Your Risk Factors
While anyone can get skin cancer, certain factors can increase your risk. So, let’s get right into it.
- Exposure to sun and ultraviolet (UV) light: This is a substantial risk factor. Excessive sun exposure, especially without proper protection, can cause skin damage leading to skin cancer over time. Don’t forget tanning beds either; they’re no safer than the natural sunlight.
- Light skin, eyes, and hair: Folks with light skin, eyes, and hair are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer since they have fewer pigment-producing cells. However, it’s essential to note that people of all races and skin colors can get skin cancer.
- Family history: If skin cancer runs in your family, you may be at a higher risk. This is especially true if a close relative, like a parent or sibling, had melanoma.
- Age: Older adults are more prone to skin cancer due to the cumulative sun exposure. That doesn’t mean younger people are off the hook, though – especially with the increasing use of tanning beds.
- A weak immune system: If your immune system is compromised due to illness or medication, you may be at a higher risk. Certain diseases, like HIV/AIDS, can also increase the risk.
- Chronic ulcers, scars, or inflammation: If you have chronic ulcers or scarring this can lead to an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers locally.
These are just a few risk factors, mind you. Lifestyle choices, like the usage of tobacco or certain medications, can also up your skin cancer risk.
Remember, it’s all about awareness, not panic. Knowing these risk factors gives you a chance to minimize them and take better care of your skin.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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