The organizers of Block The Sun Run, an event held every Father’s Day weekend in June to raise money and awareness for melanoma, encourage readers not to rely solely on sunscreen to shield themselves from the sun’s damaging rays.

 “We received this information from the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) and thought it would be really good information for the public,” said race co-organizer Dan Anchor, “our event is as much about awareness as it is fundraising.”

About Block

the Sun Run

Block the Sun Run was founded in memory of local resident Aaron Anchor, who died from melanoma in 2002. The event features a 5K race with chip timing and a 3K fun walk, a silent auction, music, raffle prizes and guest speakers.

Proceeds from the event benefits the MRF.

This year’s event is on Saturday, June 20 at Spring Brook Resort, with registration starting at 7 a.m. Registration is $20 for adults.

The race begins at 8:30 a.m. with the walk immediately following.

Registration is available online at www.active.com or the day of the event. More information on the event is available at www.blockthesunrun.com.

About Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers worldwide and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with invasive melanoma this year, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths.

The Melanoma Research Foundation reports that approximately 65 percent of melanomas — the most serious form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the US — are attributed to ultraviolet exposure.

“Too many people mistakenly view sunscreen as a blank check for spending unlimited time in the sun. Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety,” said Dr. Allan Halpem of the MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

The MRF recommends the following sun safety practices for all skin types to help prevent skin cancer:

- Generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin — even on cloudy days — using a SPF of at least 15 that provides broad-spectrum protection from both (UVA) and (UVB) rays.

- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

- Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.

- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.

- Do not burn. Severe sunburns, especially during childhood, increase your risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancer.

- Avoid intentional tanning and indoor tanning beds. Current research indicates there is no way to get a tan through ultraviolet radiation without increasing the risk for skin cancer.

- Consider using a sunless self-tanning product if you want to look like you’ve been in the sun, but continue to use sunscreen.

- Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that includes vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.

About Melanoma Research Foundation

The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest private, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. The foundation is committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.

The foundation also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, while acting as an advocate for the melanoma community to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF Web site is the premiere source for melanoma information seekers. Information is available at www.melanoma.org.