Here are the latest stats about skin cancer and the necessity of athletes, especially golfers, using a serious, water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen.
ACCORDING TO RECENT STUDIES from SkinCancer.org:
· 65% of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
· Men over age 40 have the highest annual exposure to UV radiation.
· The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over age 50.
· Melanoma is one of only three cancers with an increasing mortality rate for men.
WHY ARE GOLFERS AT A HIGHER RISK?
· Getting four to six hours of sun exposure from a round of golf
· Not wearing or reapplying sunscreen· Teeing off mid-morning when the sun’s rays are at their strongest
· Having little or no shade if you stay on the fairways
GOLFERS WHO HAVE SURVIVED SKIN CANCER:
· Fred Couples, a former golf world number one and US Masters winner, has had numerous cancerous lesions removed from his hands
· Texan PGA player, Tom Kite· US Open winner, Andy North
· English golfer, Brian Davis
Other famous people who have had a brush with skin cancer include Senator John McCain, former President Ronald Reagan, Ewan McGregor and Bob Marley.
To help prevent skin cancer, performance golf clothing is not enough! Doctors recommend applying a generous amount of water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all exposed areas thirty minutes before heading outside to play any sport. Look for a sports sunscreen formula that is designed to stay put if you sweat and won’t run into the eyes and sting, like the SkinCeuticals. No, I have not tried this particular sunscreen so I cannot recommend it personally. If my readers have tried it, I would appreciate your comments below.
SkinCeuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50 Bottom line is to protect yourself. Have a safe, healthy and happy Memorial Day weekend.
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