Photoprotection prevents skin cancer: let's make it fashionable to wear sun-protective clothing.
Protection from UV radiation (UVR) is of paramount importance in preventing skin cancers, the majority of which occur on sun-exposed areas of the face, ears, and neck. A reusable, inexpensive, and truly simple measure of personal protection that greatly reduces exposure to UVR, thereby reducing the risk for developing skin cancers, can be achieved simply by regularly wearing a wide-brimmed hat. In some areas of the world where sunny climates are pervasive and exposure to UVR is part of everyday life, fashion trends, policy, and public health initiatives are in sync, and photoprotection with wide-brimmed hats is embraced as a common and fashionable practice. Unfortunately, the wearing of wide-brimmed hats is not universally accepted. A change in policy, culture, and fashion to one that more widely embraces this simple photoprotective garment is needed.
Fox Army Health Center, Hunstville, Alabama, USA.
Jeffrey M
JM
Milch
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Nicholas F
NF
Logemann
D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D011481:Protective Clothing; D011634:Public Health; D011835:Radiation Protection / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013472:Sunlight / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays / Q000009:adverse effects