Fun Under the Jersey Shore Sun: Follow These Tips to Ward Off Skin Cancer

If you’re spending more and more time outside, health officials are urging you to take care of your skin.

“New Jerseyans are particularly prone to skin cancers: We’re an aging population and we have a lot of sun exposure in New Jersey,” said Dr. Arnold Baskies, the chairman of the Board for the American Cancer Society.

An estimated 5.4 million cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the country this year, including tens of thousands in New Jersey.

Treating it is possible if diagnosed early. This summer the state Health Department will hold free cancer screenings throughout the Jersey Shore. (See a list of dates below.)

Baskies says Jersey residents should keep the following in mind if they want to stave off cancer:

— Be sure to use sunscreen of SPF 30 and use "about a shot glass full of sunscreen... to cover the body every two hours.”

— Whenever you’re planning on being outside for more than a few minutes, “use adequate sunscreen, wear a hat, wear adequate clothing that protects you from the sun.”

— Sunscreen is not just for the beach.

“The sun is the sun regardless of whether you’re at the beach or at a party or playing golf, and I play a little bit of golf also,” he said.

— If you do go for a swim, “There is no such thing as water repellant sunscreen. So if you go in the water, you should re-apply it.”

— All sunscreens are not created equal.

“Any sunscreen that’s used should be UVA and UVB protective.”

Noticing cancer

“If you notice a mole that’s asymmetric with uneven borders that has a funny color, and if it’s changing, make sure that you seek the opinion of a trained professional,” he said.

The New Jersey Health Department offers a number of Choose your Cover free skin cancer screenings in New Jersey:

Atlantic:
• Ventnor Newport Ave Gazebo – Newport Ave & Boardwalk Gazebo (near library) July 22
• Sea Isle City Promenade Pavilion at JFK Boulevard - July 23, 10 am to 1 p.m.
• Longport – South 35th Avenue Gazebo at Pacific Avenue June 24, 10 am-1 p.m.

Cape May:
• Ocean City Music Pier 825 Boardwalk, June 10, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Cape May City Convention Center 714 Beach Ave., July 15, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Cumberland:
• Vineland Frank & Edith Scarpa Regional Cancer Pavilion - Inspira Medical Center, 1505 W. Sherman Ave., June 3, 9 a.m. – noon.

Middlesex:
• Brighton Avenue Community Center, 56 Brighton Ave., Perth Amboy, Aug. 5, 12-4p.m.
• Milltown Municipal Pool, Violet Terrace, Miltown, July 22, 12-4p.m.

Monmouth:
• Asbury Park Boardwalk – 800 Ocean Ave. at JFK Boulevard, July 15, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
• Belmar Pavilion, Ocean Ave. & 5th St, July 15, 10 a.m -2 p.m.
• Bradley Beach- Brinley Ave. & Boardwalk, July 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Long Branch 7 Presidents Oceanfront Park 2212 Ocean Ave. North July 22, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Highlands, 22 Snug Harbor Ave., July 15, 10 a.m. -2 p.m.

Morris:
• Jefferson Twp. Residents only, May 17 and June 15. To register call 973-663-0700
• Rockaway Borough, Residents only May 18. To register call 973-983-2848

Ocean:
• Brick Beach III 440 Route 35 North, July 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Ship Bottom (LBI) 20th Street’s Beach end, July 15, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Sussex:
• Littell Center at 12 Munsonhurst Road, Franklin, June 17 10 - 1 p.m.

Union:
• Clark Grand Centurion Pool, 440 Madison Hill Road, Aug. 5, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.