6. Farmers’ Sun
Protection
Farmers fell into 3
groups:
• Many or all sun
protection behaviors
(25%)
• None (45%)
• Just a hat (30%)
All or nothing…or just a
hat.
8. UVA and
UVB Rays
• UVA rays cause
premature aging, long
term skin damage.
• UVB rays cause
sunburns and most
skin cancers.
9. Protective
Clothing
• Clothing is the most effective
form of sun protection
• UPF = Ultraviolet Protection
Factor
• UPF 50 blocks 98% of rays
• UPF 30-49 offers “very good”
protection
13. Factors Affecting Clothing
Protection • Color
• Density
• Fabric content
• Fit
• Activity - Wet
fibers decrease
protection
Up to UPF 1,700 UPF 5 to 7
14. Sunscreen
• SPF = Sun Protection Factor
• FDA: Minimum SPF 15
• American Academy of Dermatology and
American Cancer Society recommend at
least SPF 30
• Broad-spectrum
15. Sunscreen
• Apply 15 minutes before
exposure
• Reapply after 80 minutes of
sweating or swimming, or after
towel drying.
• Reapply at least every 2 hours.
Interpreting SPFs
If you usually burn in 10 minutes
without protection, SPF 15 will protect
you 15 times longer.
16. Sunscreen Use
Most people use 1/2 or 1/3 the
recommended amount.
Higher SPFs may provide better protection by
compensating for underapplication.
18. About Aerosol Sunscreens
• Spray until skin glistens. Rub it in.
• Do not spray directly on the face;
spray on hand and apply to face.
• 6 oz bottle = 6 applications
Do not apply in windy conditions.
Do not use presence of flame, spark.
Keep away from sources of ignition.
19. Shelf Life and Storage
• 3-year shelf life if no
expiration date printed
• Store at room temperature
• Higher temperatures
degrade sunscreen
8 oz bottle = 8
applications
20. Skin Cancer Risk
Factors
Being a farmer
Naturally light or fair skin
Skin that burns, freckles, or reddens
easily
Blue or green eyes
Blond or red hair
Certain types and a large number of
moles
Family history of skin cancer
Older age
Serious sunburns in the past
21. Windows
• Skin cancers more common on the left
(driver’s) side.
• Glass windows block UVB rays but not
UVA.
• Laminated glass windshields blocks
more than 90% of UVA rays.
• Untreated side windows and sunroofs
may allow up to 50% of UVA rays
24. Types of
Skin
Cancer
Non-melanoma
• Basal cell
carcinoma
• Squamous cell
carcinoma
• Usually curable
but can be
disfiguring and
expensive to treat
Melanoma
Melanoma is
most dangerous.
Can spread to
other parts of the
body, including
vital organs
25. Non-Melanoma:
Signs To Watch For
Basal Cell
• Small raised bump that looks
smooth, shiny and translucent
• Small, pink, crater-like growth
• Scar-like area – white, yellow or
waxy
• Reddish, irritated patches of skin
• A sore that does not heal
26. Non-Melanoma:
Signs To watch for
Squamous Cell
• Crusty, warty appearance
• Raised grown with depression in
center
• Scaly, red patch
• Sore that does not heal
27. Melanoma: Signs
To Watch For
• Asymmetry – halves that do not match
• Irregular Borders – uneven, crusty or notches
• Color – not uniform in color
• Diameter – usually larger in diameter than
pencil eraser (1/4 inch)
• Evolving – changes in size, shape, color, starts to
bleed or scab
28. • Beliefs about sun protection
• Sun protection
recommendations
• Risk factors
• Skin cancer screening
29. Contact Info
Associate Professor & Community Health Specialist
University of Tennessee Extension
Lwashbu4@utk.edu
Lisa Washburn, DrPH
