Flip and Flop of UV

Posted by editor on October 8, 2015

Have you ever heard someone say, It's not going to happen to me? Maybe you haven’t heard anyone say that but their actions said it. Many times we will hear, read or see something happen to other people and feel sad for a moment and then continue to live our lives like, What Ever.

Articles and stories are starting to surface more now than ever about cancer and not just any cancer, I'm specifically talking about Skin Cancer. It's called Melanoma. Melanoma is a form of cancer (malignant tumor) that begins in a type of skin cell called melanocytes. These cells are located in the epidermis (the uppermost layer of the skin) and are responsible for producing melanin, a naturally occurring dark pigment.

I have seen in recent years an increase of anglers wearing flip flops on the boat. Now whats wrong with wearing flip flops you say? Nothing is wrong with wearing flip flops. This is America, you can do most of the time what you want to do. The concern of wearing flip flops while on the boat is the amount of exposure your feet are getting to ultraviolet (UV) light. Well, we all have to die from something. That's nonsense, especially if you have children, family and friends that love you. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is typically regarded as the main cause of skin cancer, with a relationship seen between UV exposure and the development of melanoma on sun-exposed areas. Irregular and intense exposure to sunlight significantly increases the risk of melanoma.

(Photo from http://www.buzzbinpadillacrt.com/summertime-healthyliving/)

Normally when you hear about protecting your skin from the harmful effects of UV the article or photos illustrate someone putting sunscreen on their face, neck, ears, arms, legs and hands but I never see on the feet.

For those that frequently wear flip flops on the boat or outdoors you probably haven't seen a huge difference in coloration on your feet after taking the flip flops off. If it's enough sun to tan you, it's enough to harm you.

The following are known risk factors for melanoma skin cancer development:

• Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure

• Moles

• Fair skin, freckles and light hair

• Family history of melanoma

• Personal history of melanoma

• Age

• Gender

• Xeroderma pigmentation.

This is food for thought and hopefully you will take action and protect your self and your skin.

by Jarad Roper