Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego is proud to name the American Melanoma Foundation as its charitable beneficiary.
1 in every 5 Americans will develop skin cancer, and 5 or more sunburns during your lifetime doubles your risk of developing skin cancer. Melanoma is the most dangerous of skin cancers, and is most often caused by prolonged and repeated overexposure to the sun.
As cyclists, we’re especially vulnerable to the damaging ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Gran Fondo Colnago San Diego is committed to financially and promotionally supporting the AMF in its research and education about this serious cancer.
Sunscreen
Are you using enough sunscreen?
For the majority of us, the answer is no.
Statistically, most people only use about 1/3 of the recommended amount. In other words, using this amount, an SPF 30 sunscreen would only deliver an effective SPF protection of 10.
Using a higher number SPF sunscreen helps increase your chances of getting enough sun protection. Remember that water, humidity, and sweating decrease the effectiveness of sunscreen and numerous reapplications are necessary.
We recommend high quality sunscreens like PreSun, which offer broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, are water-resistant, PABA free and non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores).
Sun Protective Clothing
Cyclists who live in warm, sunny areas (like southern California!) should also consider wearing sun protective clothing along with sunscreen.
Sun protective clothing is comfortable, functional and – in some cases – can actually improve your performance by lowering the surface temperature of your skin.
Among our favorites are Arm Coolers (pictured at right) by De Soto Triathlon Co. These sleeves block 75% of UVB rays and are made with a special moisture-radiating material that actually provides a cooling effect.
Melanoma FAQ
Q. What is Melanoma?
A. Melanoma, a very serious skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or near a mole. They are most commonly found on the upper backs of men and women, or on the legs of women, but can occur anywhere on the body. The overall incidence of melanoma is rising. At current rates, one in 34 Americans has a lifetime risk of developing melanoma.
Q. What Causes Melanoma?
A. Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. People in southern regions, where the sunlight is more intense, are more likely to develop melanoma than those in northern regions. Melanoma has also been linked to excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 18 years of life. Other possible causes include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.
Q. Is Melanoma a Serious Disease?
A. More than 73% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. Advanced melanoma spreads to internal organs and may result in death. One person each hour dies from melanoma. If detected in the early stages, melanoma can usually be treated successfully.
Q. How Many People will Develop Melanoma this Year?
A. More than 1 million new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States each year. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men, and the sixth most common in women.
