Columnist Peter Benton: Using sunscreen can save your skin

Peter Benton

Wednesday, July 12, 2000 | 10:56 a.m.

Peter Benton's golf column appears Wednesday.

Some years ago -- in fact, many years ago, as this column debuted in 1976 -- I wrote about the trials and tribulations PGA golfer Andy North was experiencing with skin cancer.

This insidious disease had resulted in many painful operations for North, including various plastic surgeries on his nose -- the result of deep-seated, unattended skin cancer.

I went on to say that not only golfers, but all who play or work outside should be cognizant of the damage the sun's rays can -- and do -- cause.

As a matter of fact, the beginning of my personal skin problems also were documented, after a very small (but recurring) pimple-like protrusion on my face was the catalyst for my first visit to a dermatologist.

It was on this visit that I finally realized just how serious skin cancer can be, and how foolish so many of us are by not taking some simple preventative measures to ward off the terrible and sometimes catastrophic consequences that may result by being too cavalier, macho, vain or simply ignorant of the facts.

That many people don't relate to the seriousness of this problem explains why more than half a million Americans are inflicted with this disease annually.

Ignorance I know is bliss; but stupidity, no matter how you slice it, spell it, or pronounce it, is stupidity.

It must be understood that all skin lesions are not necessarily cancerous tumours. But whether they are or not can be accurately diagnosed and treated by a dermatologist.

It is no coincidence that the majority of skin cancer patients are older. The sun's rays have a cumulative effect and so it is imperative that ongoing precautions be taken at an early age.

The irony of all this is that although I now wear a hat outside and am very conscientious about using sunscreen, I now have to have various cancer spots on both arms and face removed via cryotherapy (a liquid nitrogen treatment), and the more serious looking ones surgically removed to be biopsied.

All of this is due to my apathy and couldn't-care-less attitude as a younger man.

However, it is never too late to start caring for your skin.

Whether it is sunny or cloudy, daily use of a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) will help protect you against UVB and UVA rays. Also, wearing a hat, even if just going to the mailbox or store -- but particularly if you are going to be out on a golf course for four or five hours -- will help tremendously in preventing skin damage and/or cancer.