Triathletes:  Got Skin? Then, Get it Checked!

...“And, Frequently,” as this article title directs triathletes.  Constant “awareness” in the triathlete community is definitely needed.  The risk factors for melanoma can be greatly reduced with the right facial sunscreen sun protection for your skin. 

Melanoma is the most serious and lethal form of skin cancer and triathletes lead the pack as a key demographic for over-exposure to the sun’s extremely harmful ultraviolet rays.  During the past ten years, the number of cases of melanoma increased more rapidly than any other cancer, with a 1 in 39 lifetime risk of developing melanoma. 

When you think of skin cancer you may ask, “What’s the big deal? Don’t they just remove it?”  While the skin has pigment-producing melanocytes to protect it, the sun’s rays are especially damning to the skin's middle layer, the dermis. No amount of “tan” or pigmentation will protect the skin because the damaging rays penetrate deeply, causing cumulative damage.

Triathletes need to know the startling facts that melanoma is:

• the most common cancer among young adults ages 20-30,

• the primary cause of cancer death for women ages 25-30; and,

• the second most common cause of cancer death for women ages 30-35.

Very early melanomas, considered Stage I, are thin, rather thick on the skin. The chances of it spreading are low if it is caught because the melanoma has not grown deeply enough into the skin to allow the Cancerous cells to break away and spread. The treatment is to have the affected mole surgically removed along with a surrounding border of healthy tissue, which is called a “wide local excision.” As long as your doctor is sure that enough tissue was removed, that is all the treatment you need.

Stage II and III melanomas are more likely to spread to other parts of the body because the cancerous cells have grown deeper into the skin. Doctors describe Stage II melanomas as having a “moderate” or “intermediate” risk of returning or spreading to another part of the body after they have been removed. Stage III melanomas have a higher risk of recurrence, because the melanoma cells have spread into the skin, lymph vessels, or lymph glands close to the melanoma, and may be carried to other parts of the body in the bloodstream or lymph fluid.

Example, Holly Gannoe, age 38, started competing in triathlons in 2001. In 2005 she was diagnosed with Stage III nodular melanoma. After treatmen, she is celebrating four years now as a melanoma survivor. Holly emphasizes, “Sun-safe practices in training and competition are extremely important. Not only do we tend to spend the bulk of our training and racing time during peak sun-exposure times, but the exercise leaves our immune systems somewhat weakened post-workout. Both sun exposure and a weakened immune system are identified as factors in the development of melanoma and other skin cancers.”

“TRI-TO-WIN” Events – the triathlon fundraising arm of the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation – produces a variety of triathlons to not only raise needed education, advocacy, and research funds, but to reach the triathlete demographic and their active families.

From a kids’ triathlon and pool sprint in central Maryland to the “TRI-TO-WIN” SavageMan Triathlon Festival in western Maryland at Deep Creek Lake State Park each September, the full spectrum of triathletes are targeted to enhance their awareness of melanoma and the importance of embracing sun-safe practices.

Ask 13-time Hawaii Ironman, Tom Shinners, and he will tell you of his ordeal as a Stage III melanoma survivor who ignored some early signs of the disease. Detected too late, the melanoma had spread to his lymph nodes. Being the competitor that he is, Tom battled through surgery and a year of interferon treatment. Just a few months after completing his treatment, Tom competed in an Ironman competition and once again qualified and finished the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii. Now melanoma-free for nearly six years, Tom looks forward to many more trips to Kona.

However, Tom’s success story in his battle against melanoma is one that, sadly, is not repeated often enough. One person dies every hour in the U.S. from melanoma. 

Melanoma is VERY PREVENTABLE!!  A&E BEAUTY LASER RECOMMENDS USING INTELLISHADE SPF 45 MOISTURIZER, or MULTIPROTECT SPF 50, DAILY, as well as THD Vitaminc C for sun protection and skin repair from the sun's damaging rays. 

Marc Applegate, another SavageMan triathlete, was diagnosed with melanoma 15 years ago at age 26. He went to a dermatologist because a dark freckle on his cheek became more noticeable, had it removed and tested, and it was found malignant. A plastic surgeon proceeded to take an additional 1-centimeter diameter section of skin around where the freckle was to confirm a safe border; visits to the dermatologist for a screening one or two times a year are now “required.” According to Marc, “I use sunscreen very consistently when I know I'm going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. I have been cancerfree ever since…and I know that applying sunscreen "before" and intermittently (at least every hour) during my long training outings and races definitely helps minimize chances of getting too much sun. I like the motto, ‘Life is short, play hard,’ but perhaps if we play hard ‘safely,’ we will live longer!”

Martha Carpenter, who completed her first Ironman in Louisville this past September, is another melanoma survivor and two-time “TRI-TO-WIN” triathlete, “My experience at the first Savageman really touched my heart. There were so many genuinely nice people working on this event, and so many strong athletes who found it worth their time to raise money for "my" cancer. I felt a sense of protection and comfort that I really cannot explain – until the bike course, that is! Even if I am the last one in, triathlon reminds me that I'm still in the game.”

So, what can triathletes do for protection??

-It’s Simple! 

When training or racing, remind yourself as a triathlete of the the melanoma risk factors, and follow sun safe practices, and sun protection:

• Do not ever burn: Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds causes skin cancer.

• Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using an SPF of a Minimum of at least 35SPF, that also contains antioxidants, & preferably labeled an Immune Protection Factor, (IPF).
• Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or continuous sweating. 
• *A&E Beauty Laser Recommends Intellishade SPF 45 tinted moisturizer, or Multi-Protection SPF 50 for sun protection, both of which contain an Immune Protection Factor.
• Wear protective clothing, a hat or visor, *and sunglasses.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use extra caution near water, as it reflects the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chanced of sunburn.
• Early detection of melanoma can save your life. Carefully examine all of your skin once a month.  Get your Buddy to check your backside!
• Use a professionally formulated vitamin C on the face every single morning.

Some of the above information provided from the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation.

Call A&E Beauty Laser at 512-921-1411 to get Protected with professional Sunscreen with and IPF, & the best Vitamin C at A&E Beauty Laser!

Or, email us at myskin@aebeautylaser.com : www.aebeautylaser.com