[Pssst: Did you answer e) all of the above to the question on the home page? If so, you're sun-smart! Read on….]

Chances are you're ready to kick back and catch a few rays this summer. Get some color back in your face. Soak up the warm sun and RELAX.

Well, there's good and bad news about this plan. Relaxing is good - you've been through a lot and deserve a break. Summer is a time to set your worries aside and take it easy.

But - don't do it in the blistering summer sun! If you've had chemo or radiation as part of your treatment plan, you have to be more careful than your friends when out in the sun.

Some of the chemo drugs you've taken, as well as radiation, if you had any, have probably made your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid these Tanning Taboos to stay safe in the summer:

TABOO #1 - Believe that a gorgeous tan will make you look sexier.

The fashion media have been largely to blame for this myth in the past. Deep, dark tanned bodies stylishly draped in bright, white summer cotton. We have been led to believe that we look - and feel - healthier with a tan. Wrong!

TABOO #2 - Don't worry about skin cancer until you're older.

According to statistics published by the National Cancer Institute in 1995, malignant melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer) is the third most common cancer of 20 - 29 year olds. The incidence of cancerous melanoma is steadily increasing. One reason may be the destruction of the Earth's ozone layer, creating less protection from the sun's harmful radiation.

Darker pigmented skin offers some protection against skin cancer, but African-American teens can still get a sun burn and premature wrinkling from over exposure, especially after cancer treatment.

Studies show that most sun exposure occurs before the age of 18 - usually during adolescence. You need to worry about skin cancer now! Haven't you had enough?

TABOO #3 - Wearing sunscreen is adequate protection.

First, not all sunscreens are created equal! Secondly, sunscreen is not enough to protect you from the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.

The American Cancer Society recommends using sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 to protect against two types of harmful ultraviolet rays:

1. UVA (ultraviolet - type A) rays are longer rays that penetrate your skin more deeply and cause long-term damage to the elastic fibers of your skin (collagen). This is what causes wrinkles, and prematurely sagging skin. Not a pretty picture.

2. UVB (ultraviolet - type B) rays are shorter rays that cause sun burn. Remember, your skin is much more susceptible to burning now. Even if you didn't burn easily before treatment, you probably will now. Research indicates that UVB rays can also impair your immune system. Your poor immune system has been through enough. Give it a break and stay out of the sun!

When shopping for sunscreen, be sure to read the label. Look for a "broad-spectrum" product" that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Also, watch out for tanning products which simply color your skin. They do not protect you from the UV rays.

In addition to sunscreen, take the following precautions:

• Avoid being in the direct sun during the hottest mid-day hours: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.


• Wear a wide-brimmed hat that protects your ears and neck (not to mention your head, if you are bald). Make sure it is a tight weave and preferably a dark color (gives you more protection).


• Wear UV filtered sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Some sunglasses are polarized. This does not mean they block ultraviolet rays. Glasses with wrap-around lenses protect the sensitive skin around your eyes. And Bono just thought he looked cool!



One more thing about sunglasses: your treatment may have made you more susceptible to developing cataracts. Good sunglasses will help prevent this eye condition.





• Cover up with light-weight clothing when in the sun - long sleeves and pants. Lots of summer fabrics are very airy and comfortable.



Boys especially take heed: Avoid the temptation to go shirtless (a bit more socially unacceptable for girls!) when shooting hoops, skateboarding, biking, hanging around. Unless you really want to show off your central line!

TABOO #4 - Tanning booths are safe.

Now, here's a gigantic myth. Many teens go to tanning booths to get a head start on a tan. To prepare their skin for the "real thing" - to "fake a bake".

What they don't realize is that tanning booths also give off ultraviolet rays - as much as two times more than the sun, mainly UVA rays. At least when you're in the sun, you get a mix of UVA and UVB rays and the ozone layer acts as a filter.

In a tanning bed (referred to as a coffin bed - does this make you comfortable?) nothing but little goggles and your underwear (if you wear any) stand between you and permanent skin damage.

So, you probably won't get burned (caused by UVB rays). You'll just look like a dried up apple when you get older!

TABOO #5 - Be worried about the sun only in the summer. We don't always think about getting a sun burn in the winter, but truth is, the sun always gives off ultraviolet rays. You need to be just as careful in the winter if you're outside, especially if you go skiing in the mountains.

OK - the notion of mountain skiing might be a bit far-fetched if you're in the middle of treatment, but you never know - one day, maybe. At higher elevations, the sun's rays are more intense because the air is thinner with less atmosphere to protect you.

Just for fun, read about adventurous cancer teens who have camped in the Canadian Arctic - www.tip-of-toes.com. Hope they used sunscreen.

JUST IN CASE:

If you forget all the tips above and leave the sunscreen at home, here's what to do if you get a sun burn:

1. Get out of the sun immediately.
2. Put cold compresses on the burned area.
3. Take ibuprofen (Advil)
   to reduce the swelling and pain. Caution: check this out with your medical team first. If your platelets are low - take Tylenol instead.
4. Drink plenty of fluids.