Texas Medical Center News


Vol. 20, No. 10		June 1, 1998

Sun and Skin: A Risky Mix

M. D. Anderson Launches Skin Cancer Prevention Project For Ninth Season

This year, nearly 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed. Experts say most of those could be prevented.

"The most common cause of skin cancer is overexposure to the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays," says Dr. Stephen Ullrich, associate professor of immunology at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. "Throughout the summer months, UV exposure can be reduced by up to 60 percent by avoiding the sun in mid-afternoon."

Through a unique collaboration of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and local media, the Under Cover Skin Cancer Prevention Project begins its ninth season of educating the public about the dangers of overexposure to the sun.

As much as 80 percent of a person's lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 18, so children are at a very high risk simply because of their time spent outdoors.

"Sun protection during the first 18 years of life can reduce a child's lifetime risk of developing certain types of skin cancer by 78 percent," Dr. Ullrich adds.

The Under Cover project utilizes a UV light meter to measure the intensity of the sun's UV-B rays. M. D. Anderson staff translates that information into a scale of one to 10, with behavioral recommendations to accompany each reading. Recommendations vary from no need for precaution to wearing a sunscreen of SPF 15, a shirt and cap or hat.

UV readings will be taken four times daily (10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.) from a meter located atop the Houston Main Building in the Texas Medical Center. The readings are provided to local "media partners" who may publish or broadcast them to the public through Sept. 7 (Labor Day).

Local "community partners" such as libraries, YMCA's and area tourist attractions make the Under Cover skin cancer prevention brochure available to the public at no charge in various locations across Houston. The public also may request the free skin cancer prevention brochure or hear the current UV reading by calling 1-800-322-5454.

STEPHANIE FELNER

Children's Art Project Offers New Way to
Take Cover from Sun

For the first time ever, the Children's Art Project at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center is offering a "Seaside" beach cover-up and beach towel for the summer season.

With each purchase of a cover-up or beach towel from the Children's Art Project catalogue, customers also receive a free M. D. Anderson SunAware card and a free sample of Sea & Ski sunscreen. The size and shape of a credit card, SunAware cards provide instant UV ray readings with a color-coded strip. And with purchases of any Children's Art Project product, customers help fund patient programs at M. D. Anderson that make daily life better for cancer patients and their families.

For a free Children's Art Project catalogue or to order Children's Art Project beach products, call 713-792-6266.

- ANDRIA FRANKFORT

E-Mail: tmc-info@tmc.edu
URL: http://www.tmc.edu/tmcnews/06_01_98/page_10.html