BOOMj Expert: Skin Cancer Awareness

2008-07-17 18:38:36
Source: Pamela Stoy Eelman
By: PEelman

Written By: Pamela Stoy Eelman

The hibernation is over. More and more of us are outside enjoying all the outdoors has to offer. During the months of summer, we will be wearing less and less clothing. It’s important to be smart about it.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer with almost one million new cases diagnosed each year. There are three common forms of skin cancer. Basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are directly linked to sun exposure. The good news is that with accurate and consistent screenings, these can be treated with a high rate of success. Melanoma is much more serious and can be fatal as it can spread to other parts of the body. It can appear anywhere and is indirectly linked to the sun. We’ve all heard the statistics and warnings but there are still some of us who aren’t wearing sunscreen. And even fewer of us are getting our cancer screenings. Like most boomer women, I grew up slathering on baby oil in an attempt to get that bronzy tan we all craved. We’ve hopefully grown up to know that healthy skin is beautiful skin. I recommend to my clients a sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF on a daily basis; a 45 SPF or more when at the beach or working outside or any length of time.

But there’s more to protecting ourselves than what we put on the outside. What we eat and consume can help protect our skin from sun damage as well.

Free radicals generated by the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the main cause of sun damage. Studies over the past decade strongly suggest that dietary antioxidants can mop up free radicals and significantly reduce your risk of sunburn, precancerous skin growths and squamous cell carcinoma.

Brightly colored foods are high in antioxidants. This color is the plants’ natural protection from the sun. Dr. Ralph Felder, MD, author of the Bonus Years Diet says “the more colorful the plant, the higher its protection against unwanted rays. Some of the most colorful plants get that from lycopene, a naturally occurring carotenoid found in red and pink fruits. Cartenoids help by clustering in those places most vulnerable to the sun - the skin and the eyes. Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, especially when they’re cooked as the heat releases it (A healthy fat, such as olive oil helps us absorb this goodness). Pink grapefruit, watermelon, and guava are also good sources of lycopene. But all the colorful fruits and veggies contain arytenoids.

Cold water fish help to protect our skin with their omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon, herring, mackerel, trout and sardines are all cold water fish. A serving is about the size of a deck of cards and 2-3 servings per week is ideal for most of us. In addition to increasing these good fats, it’s important to cut back on saturated fats. A 1995 study looked at 115 people who had been treated previously for non-melanoma skin cancer. Subjects who cut their fat intake from 36 percent of calories to 20 percent saw their risk of developing pre-cancerous skin growths lessen by an impressive 75%!

Green and Black teas both contain polyphenols, antioxidants that target free radicals. In 2006 the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology published a study done at Dartmouth who round that those who drank two or more cups of tea were 30% less likely to have squamous cell carcinoma than those who didn’t drink tea. Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most powerful of all polyphenols and has been shown to offer protective properties from many cancers. Spring and summer is the perfect time for iced tea and green tea is delicious flavored with orange, mint, lemon or lime. Most of the iced tea that you purchase already brewed is flavored artificially and contains either high fructose corn syrup or an artificial sweetener. It’s easy to brew at home and have at the ready in your frig. Revolution T offers a huge and delightful varies of teas - both green and black. I’ve introduced many clients who have become loyal fans and costumers! Check out www.revolutiontea.com to find a retailer near you or to order directly from the company.

Green, leafy veggies like spinach, kale and chard are once again found to have more protective properties. We’ve known for awhile that they help to prevent lung and colon cancer, but now; a study published in 2006 in the International Journal of Cancer suggests that the blend of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals in green veggies could lower the risk of squamous cell carcinoma by more than 50%. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower contain sulforaphane which increases the body’s natural production of the enzymes that protect skin from the sun.

Of course, eating good food is not a substitute for sunscreen and a hat! It’s just extra protection. Additionally, as more and more of are using sunscreen, we’re seeing more vitamin D deficiency. I recommend vitamin D supplements for many of my clients as well as a 15 minutes walk in the early morning or late afternoon sun without sunscreen.

Olay, which produces a great pro-aging line of products, is sponsoring Skin Cancer Takes Friends in conjunction with the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. They’ve joined forces and are offering nationwide free skin cancer screenings. Log on to www.skincancertakesfriends.org to find a dermatologic surgeon near you offering screenings during the months of May, June and July.

Let salmon fillets replace the hot dogs this Memorial Day Picnic and swap out the white macaroni salad with a quinoa salad with broccoli, red onion and red and yellow peppers. Add a spinach salad. Green tea flavored with pom juice is healthy and refreshing. Finish off with some fresh strawberries and watermelon and start this summer off right.

For those who aren’t quite concerned about eating to prevent skin cancer, remember, all of the above information helps fight premature wrinkles and wisdom marks (my term for “age spots”) too!

Enjoy your summer.

Pamela Eelman is a Certified Holistic Health Counselor and founder of A Balanced Life,Inc. Her private practice includes those with whom she works in person as well as those around the country in her distance programs. She is happy to help take the guess work out of living healthfully by sharing information about products, companies and organizations she uses and supports, and perhaps more importantly, those she doesn’t. You can contact her at www.abalanced-life.com. Please indicate “boomer-living” in the subject line of the e-mail.

Pamela Eelman is a Program Director for Boomer-Living.com

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