Here's a report from dermatologists about athletes, the sun and the risks of skin cancer:
Skin cancer has left its mark on runner Deena Kastor, one of America's top distance runners and an Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon. "I have 25 external stitches for basal cell carcinoma and early stages of melanoma," said Kastor. "I also have six internal stitches to tie off blood vessels the doctor cut through because the cancer runs deep." Kastor encourages the public to take the necessary steps to prevent skin cancer. "I can only emphasize that it is never one thing that causes skin cancer," said Kastor. "Maintaining healthy skin is a combination of using sunscreen, wearing clothing and hats that cover you in the sun, limiting exposure to the midday sun, eating foods high in anti-oxidants and visiting the dermatologist regularly." The AAD recommends seeking shade from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., which according to Dr. Adams is, "exactly the time when most teams are outside practicing, from soccer players to long-distance runners to tennis players. These athletes are getting an enormous amount of exposure to UV light and itīs important that they follow some sun-safety precautions, including wearing sunscreen and protective clothes."
