Sunscreen products containing Mexoryl SX or ecamsule, an ingredient designed to block the sun's harmful UVA rays, have been sold in Canada and Europe for over ten years, but have not been available here.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently approved the over-the-counter sale of L'Oreal Anthelios SX sunscreen product containing ecamsule to consumers in the US.

While UVB rays are known to cause sunburn, UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are associated with an increased risk for basal and squamous cell cancers and melanoma skin cancer. Anthelios SX is made by the French cosmetics company L'Oreal. Mexoryl SX is owned by L'Oreal, and is only available in L'Oreal products.

Sunscreens might provide some protection from the harmful rays of the sun, and should be used when going out in the sun. Still your best bet is to shade yourself when spending any length of time in the sun and staying out of the sun during the peak hours of 10 AM to 4 PM when sun can cause the most skin damage.

It's Fourth of July weekend, and this year is a long one! Traditionally, celebrations for the Fourth of July include picnics, camping, boating, hiking, backyard barbeques, free concerts in the park, a stroll by the river, a day at the beach. Basically, most activities this weekend involve being outdoors enjoying good times and the warm summer sun.

Before you, friends and family head out the door, here is a sampling of posts we have done about spending time in the sun -- skin cancer facts -- and tips on practicing sun safety.

• Skin cancer prevention kits for kids.
• Shading kids from the sun.
• Pediatricians need to educate parents about sun exposure risks.
  

• Skin cancer myths debunked by dermatologists.
• Global warming skin cancer warning.
  

And the sun, with the right exposure, is not all bad.

• Vitamin D: sunshine as cancer prevention.
  

For a complete listing of the posts regarding skin cancer and sun safety, visit The Cancer Blog's melanoma and skin cancer categories. The Fourth of July is a great time for celebration of our freedoms and all the wonderful warmth and brightness of summer days. Enjoy! every minute but be sun-wise and sun safe.

Olivia Newton-John, breast cancer survivor, and strong advocate for raising breast cancer awareness, recently released a CD dedicated to anyone who has been touched by cancer.

The CD features performances by some of her closest friends including Delta Goodrem, Patti Labelle, Diahann Carroll and Amy Sky. One of the ten songs on the CD includes Can I Trust Your Arms, written by Olivia's daughter Chloe, as a special Christmas gift for her mother.

Olivia Newton-John shares her feelings about the CD by saying, "I believe the songs I have chosen reflect the many emotions of such a journey. By way of this CD I am grateful to be able to pass on that torch with these songs of inspiration, encouragement and understanding to all of those facing breast cancer or any other challenging journey." Part of the proceeds from Stronger than Before are going to help build a comprehensive cancer center to treat all cancers at the Austin Hospital in Melborne, Australia.

During my chemotherapy for breast cancer, I received the drug Adriamycin. Adriamycin is toxic and harsh and so powerful that when it makes contact with the skin it can cause a severe burn. How this drug cycled through my body without singeing my veins, I am not sure. Somehow, I survived it and can think back on this drug that is often called The Red Dragon.  It is wicked and fierce and unkind -- yet lifesaving as well.

The word dragon conjures up various images for me. I can clearly visualize the red liquid that dripped into my body many months ago with the purpose of attacking cancer cells. I also picture toy action figures that often cover my living room floor -- my five-year-old has a current love for dragons, and we have all shapes and sizes at our house. And lately, when I think of dragons, I see women in boats -- powerful women practicing the ancient sport of dragon boating.

I know women who participate in this sport through Team Survivor -- a group that provides free opportunities for physical fitness for women with cancer. And I just learned about Hope Afloat, Philadelphia and Pennsylvania's first breast cancer survivor dragon boat racing team.  With a mission of challenging their limits and not limiting their challenges, these women strive to awaken the dragon within through hope, support, and adventure.  This floating support group has been in existence since 2001 and welcomes all women with a history of breast cancer. Weekly practice, monthly meetings, and racing keeps these women in good shape and in good spirits. Go team!