Episode 1: Burned to a Crisp; If you play golf, there's a good chance you'll get skin cancer.
You read that right. The jarring reality is that one out of every five Americans (one in three Caucasians) will develop some form of skin cancer in their lifetime. Every dermatologist we spoke with thinks the odds are even worse for golfers. Want to know why? Hint: It's not simply because we might be out in the sun more than most Americans. "I don't think it's ignorance, and I don't think it's inherent in being exposed to the sun longer," says dermatologist Dr. Henry Botts. "Men just don't care." Adds Dr. Susan Kempler: "Some golfers, it's like they're going out of their way to get skin cancer. They have every excuse you can think of for not wearing sun protection." Harsh statements, but ones based on experience. Kempler and Botts are not only skin doctors; they're golfers. They, along with many other experts in the skin-care field we consulted, would love to educate golfers about the dangers of long-term sun exposure. Over the next several weeks, we'll publish a series of articles on the risks of skin cancer for golfers, how to recognize issues, and the best ways to protect yourself. Read on:
What is skin cancer?
Statistically, it's the most common form of cancer in the United States. Skin cancer is the mutation of cells on the outer layers of your skin caused by several factors, including excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, heredity, genetics, skin type, and a weak immune system. Sun exposure causes 90 percent of all cases. The three leading types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and malignant melanoma. Actinic keratosis (abnormal skin growths) and dysplastic nevi (atypical moles) aren't cancerous but are often precursors to cancer.
I play golf at least twice a month. How likely is it that I have skin cancer?
We asked some dermatologists who treat golfers to assess the risk level. Dermatologists agree that a higher percentage of golfers have skin cancer than the 20 percent reported for the general U.S. population. Still, it's hard to say how significant the increase would be because many other activities and lifestyles include four to six hours of sun exposure from a round of golf.
Does the color of your skin make a difference?
Skin cancer is less common in people with darker skin, but it's often more deadly because it's harder to detect. "And melanoma can sometimes occur in non-sun-exposed areas, including the soles of the feet," says Dr. Kempler.
What should I be looking for in golf clothes?
Wearing sun-protective apparel, dermatologists agree, is the best way to protect yourself from the sun for long periods. Sunscreens wear off quickly, and there are questions about the safety of their chemical ingredients. SanSoleil. UV 50 Cooling Apparel for Golf specializes in creating sun-protective clothing for golf. Dermatologists
