Homeownership has often been referred to as the American Dream. And for many people (not all), part of this dream involves working outdoors: mowing the lawn, clipping the hedges, caring for the garden.

While working outdoors is good for the spirit, as well as your home, it can be dangerous as well. It is now widely accepted that prolonged, unprotected exposure to the sun can result in skin cancer.

According to the US Federal Drug Administration, an increasing number of Americans continues to contract skin cancer. The problem is becoming so pervasive that some doctors actually consider skin cancer to be un-declared epidemic. The FDA and the American Academy of Dermatology anticipate that approximately one million Americans will develop skin cancer each year.

Apparently, there really is no such thing as a safe tan. This might even be counter- intuitive to all of us who for years considered a tan, not a burn, to be a sign of healthy living. For children, the sun's effects can be even more pronounced. An American Association of Dermatology Report entitled "Sun Savvy Tips For Children of All Ages," advises that even one or two blistering sunburns can increase a child's risk of developing skin cancer later in that child's life.

There is good news to report, however. Media campaigns seem to get the word out. For a case in point, let's look to the land down under. In 1998, the Anti-Cancer Council of Victoria, Australia announced an 11% reduction in the number of reported skin cancer cases in the 14-50 age group. For the 25-30 age group, there was a striking 30% reduction.

The Council attributes the reduction to increased public awareness. Since 1980, an ad campaign featuring a cartoon character named "Sid Seagull," was aimed at younger viewers and cautioned them to Slip on a shirt, Slop on suntan lotion, and Slap on a hat, before venturing outdoors. Apparently, Australians were bombarded with this simple message: Slip, Slop, and Slap!

More good news: according to the FDA, when detected in its early stages skin cancer can be quite treatable. An efficient way to reduce the risk of contracting skin cancer is to avoid exposure to the sun. Some experts also recommend that sun lamp exposure be minimized or avoided as well.

It is the sun's ultraviolet radiation that causes short-term damage, in the form of sun tans and sun burns, and long term damage, in the form of sun cancer. Some experts believe that the depletion of the sun's protective ozone layer has permitted more of these dangerous ultra violet rays to expose individuals. In turn, some maintain that this has increased the amount of skin cancer cases.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are several measures which should be undertaken by everyone to reduce the chance of developing skin cancer. First, you should apply a broad spectrum sun screen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. This sun screen should be re-applied every two hours when outdoors, even on a cloudy day.

In addition, you should wear tightly woven clothing, such as a long sleeve shirt and pants. Don't forget your wide brim hat and quality sun glasses.

When you are doing those outdoor chores, work in the shade when possible and avoid reflective surfaces. In addition, if you cannot see your own shadow, you are in particularly high danger of being injured by the sun and you should make sure that you are adequately protected. The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Sun cancer concerns are creating a marketplace for products which make sun protection claims. For example: an Arizona company called "Solar Eclipse" is now marketing an entire line of what it touts as sun protective clothing, with long sleeved shirts starting at $35.00. And an Australian company, C-Wear, is starting to market its "sun protective" clothing internationally. In fact, the FDA has reportedly authorized one manufacturer to make sun reduction claims in its advertising.

When you are outdoors, especially for a prolonged period, make sure that you are adequately protected from the sun. Said another way, Slip, Slop and Slap!

Published: March 24, 1999

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Stuart Lieberman only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.