For anyone who lives in Hawaii, the tropical sunshine is hazardous enough, but then boaters multiply their exposure with the reflection off the water. And according to the American Academy of Dermatology, exposure to excessive ultraviolet light (from the sun or sunlamps) is the cause of most skin cancer.
The American Cancer Society warns that skin cancers, with more than a million diagnosed annually, are the most common forms of cancer in the U.S., and if not treated early, these cancers can kill.
Dermatologists have established many preventative measures for avoiding undue exposure to the sun. However one, that we avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., is not likely to be consistent with a boater’s lifestyle.
Wearing protective clothes such as long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and wide-brimmed hats have also been advised for UV protection. But aboard a boat in Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, such clothing often runs counter to comfort.
Still, there are several steps boaters can take to protect themselves from a UV overdose, and the first is to use sunscreen.
It should have at least a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15, be applied ½-hour before exposure, be reapplied every two hours, and be slathered over all exposed skin. Reapplying after swimming or sweating is also highly recommended.
Another tip is to try finding shade whenever possible. Sit on the shady side of the cockpit, or if your boat doesn’t have a canvas “Bimini top,” you might consider buying or making one.
Finally, dermatologists advise to visit them at least once a year for a professional checkup, and every six months isn’t unreasonable for those who have had a multi-decade history of overexposure to the sun.
They also strongly advise doing monthly head-to-toe self-examinations. These should be done in a well-lighted area and, with the help of a mirror, every patch of skin should be checked, from top of the head to the bottom of the feet. The object of all this is to detect any abnormalities in the skin as early as possible.
The good news is that when detected early, melanoma – the most statistically lethal skin cancer – has a 99 percent survival rate.
