Baseball & Softball players receive sunscreen!
Be Sun Safe: Cancer Prevention Program
The June E. Nylen Cancer Center partnered with the Iowa Cancer Consortium to provide sunscreen and educational information to 2900 kids age 4 - 14 participating in youth baseball and softball this season.“The Be Sun Safe: Cancer Prevention Program was a grant that provided individual sunscreen to the players and gallon jugs of sunscreen for fans to use along with a banner and educational material to encourage everyone to protect themselves from the harmful rays of the sun," said Tracy Feathers, Director of Marketing at the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. “The premise of the campaign is to raise awareness to use sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, protective clothing and to seek shade from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm."The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a partnership of researchers, legislators, health care providers, faith-based organizations, public health professionals, caregiver, cancer survivors, volunteers and many other Iowans who work together to reduce the burden of cancer in Iowa. Their mission is to reduce cancer incidence and mortality in Iowa through collaborative efforts that provide services and programs directed toward comprehensive cancer prevention and control.Research shows a link between sunburns in children and an increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer later in life. It's important to shield children's skin from the damaging effects of the sun. Parents need to lead by example, children respond better when they see adult's protecting their skin.
Frequently asked questions about Skin Cancer
1. What are the three main forms of skin cancer?Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma2. What are the early warning signs of skin cancer?
A - Asymmetry (common moles are round symmetrical)B - Border (skin cancers may have uneven borders)C - Color (watch for varied shades of brown, tan or black also red, white and blue)D - Diameter (if a sot is large than a pencil eraser it could be trouble)
3. How do I perform a total body skin examination?Check your body thoroughly at least every three months. Look for any changes and see a doctor if you notice anything suspicious.4. Do sunscreens prevent skin cancer?Yes, studies have shown that sunscreen use can prevent skin cancer.5. How should I use sunscreen?Apply sunscreen every day on skin that is not protected by clothing or a hat. Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Reapply after sweating and swimming.6. Are sunscreens suitable for infants and children?Yes, sunscreen may be used on babies starting at six months of age. Protect children younger than 6 months of age with clothing and keep them in the shade.7. What time of day is the sun most dangerous?The sun is most dangerous between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.8. Does clothing provide good sun protection?Yes, look for a tight weave, loose fit and dark colors for more protection. Choose a hat that shades the face, neck and ears.9. Why are sunglasses important?Sunglasses block UV rays, protecting the eyes and the surrounding tender skin.10. Are tanning beds safer than the sun?No, tanning beds are not a safe alternative to the natural sun. Encourage your child to appreciate the beauty of their natural skin tone.The following leagues are participating in this program: Headid, Hinton, Le Mars, Morningside American and National, Northwest, Sgt. Bluff, Westside and SYA softball.This project was funded by a grant from the Iowa Cancer Consortium in partnership with the June E. Nylen Cancer Center. To learn more about this project visit www.canceriowa.org or nylencancercenter.com. For more information please contact Tracy Feathers at 712.252.9426 or featherst@jencc.com.
