“Social distancing” is a term that we have become very familiar with throughout the last year. But keeping a safe distance from others during a pandemic is not the only type of distancing we should be doing. Did you know that it is essential to be protected from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as well? Spending time outside in the sun throughout the year increases your risk of skin damage, and sun exposure will contribute to skin cancer later on. Though some skin cancers are genetic, you can avoid most skin cancers with the proper prevention methods. Continue reading to learn more.
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer is the out-of-control growth of abnormal skin cells. Skin cancer occurs when your skin cells’ DNA becomes damaged, usually from UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. All types of skin pigmentations can develop skin cancer. While exposed skin is often the cause for the majority of skin cancer cases, skin that is not exposed, like your palms, can be affected by skin cancer as well.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cause of cancer in the United States. There are 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancer cases and more than 76,000 cases of melanoma skin cancer each year.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SKIN CANCER?
Skin cancer can take many shapes and forms, but it is categorized into two groups: non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma skin cancer.
Non-melanoma skin cancers can include:
- Basal cell carcinoma: This form of skin cancer is found in the deepest layer of your epidermis (the outer layer of skin). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, but it rarely spreads throughout the body. Basal cell carcinoma growths can look like open sores, smooth shiny bumps, scars or pink/red areas of skin.
- Squamous cell carcinoma: This form of skin cancer is the second most common type of skin cancer, and it affects the squamous cells in the skin’s top layers. This type of skin cancer can develop from actinic keratosis. Squamous cell carcinoma growths are usually raised from the surrounding skin and can look crusty. They may bleed and can sometimes appear as open sores.
- Rare types of non-melanoma skin cancers include: merkel cell carcinoma, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma and sebaceous carcinoma
Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma kills more than 10,000 Americans each year, and it results in more than 75 percent of skin cancer-related deaths. Melanoma can develop from existing moles, or it may only look like a mole. The first sign of melanoma is an unusual looking freckle or mole. The ABCDE method, developed by the American Academy of Dermatology can help you, and your dermatologist identify melanoma.
- Asymmetry: Half of the mole does not match the other half in size, shape or color
- Border: The edges of moles are irregular, scalloped or poorly defined
- Color: The mole is not the same color throughout
- Diameter: The mole is usually higher than 6 millimeters when diagnosed but may also be smaller
- Evolving: A mole or skin lesion that is different from the rest or changes in size, shape or color
WHO IS MOST AT RISK FOR SKIN CANCER?
Anyone can get skin cancer, but some individuals have an increased risk, including:
- Individuals with fair skin
- History of chronic sun exposure
- History of severe sunburns
- History of tanning bed use
- History of radiation therapy
- Personal or family history of skin cancer
- Individuals on immune-suppressing drugs
- Exposure to high levels of arsenic
- Inherited syndromes that cause skin cancer
HOW CAN YOU REDUCE YOUR RISK FOR SKIN CANCER?
Use Sunscreen
One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is by using the proper sunscreen for your skin type. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that works on UVA and UVB rays. Apply sunscreen on all areas of your body that will not be protected by articles of clothing. When outdoors, be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. You can learn more about all of the sunscreen products we offer at the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC here.
Avoid UV Radiation
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends to seek out shaded areas and avoid direct sunlight during the sun’s peak hours, which take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. These actions minimize your chances of UV ray exposure. You should cover up your arms and legs and wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Avoid Indoor Tanning Beds
You should avoid indoor tanning beds. Tanning beds are much worse than the sun as the UV light is more intense. Most tanning beds emit approximately 12 times more UVA rays than natural sunlight. Tanning beds are a carcinogen (a substance that promotes cancer); you cannot get a safe tan.
Perform Regular Skin Self-Examinations
You should perform skin self-examinations at least once per month to detect skin differences early when skin cancer is most treatable. As a general rule, if you notice new or suspicious lesions on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, you should see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
SEE YOUR DERMATOLOGIST | DERMATOLOGY CENTER FOR SKIN HEALTH, PLLC
Skin cancer is serious, and it can be deadly if it is not discovered in its early stages. Even if you do not have any skin concerns, you should see a dermatologist for yearly skin cancer screenings. Your dermatologist can examine and evaluate any areas of your skin you may have missed during self-exams. Based on their assessment, you will be provided with the appropriate treatment plan, if needed.
At the Dermatology Center for Skin Health, PLLC, we provide full body skin evaluations. If you are concerned with an area of skin or would like to be scheduled for an annual skin cancer screening, please call us at 304-598-3888 or contact us online to make an appointment. We are currently accepting new patients and encourage you to make your appointment soon. We look forward to hearing from you!
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