Risks of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. One in five Americans will develop the disease. While highly curable, it still claims over 10,000 lives yearly. Sun exposure causes most of the one million new cases diagnosed each year--so being sun smart is your best defense. More than 80 percent of skin cancers are basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas which usually occur o areas that are exposed to the sun. though less likely to invade other parts of the body than melanoma, they can be disfiguring to remove. Long common in older adults, they now appear in those under the age of 40. Melanoma is less prevalent , but it is also responsible for most deaths. Sunburns, especially blistering ones, are a major risk factor for melanoma.

If your kids spend their summers off at camp or simply running , biking or playing in the nationhood , chances are the last thing they are doing is applying sunscreen every couple of hours. Consider investing in clothing with built-in sun protection. Look for garments with a UPF of at least 30, which provides even more protection than a sunscreen with a SPF of 30.

The key to beating all types of cancer is finding it early. Be active in preventing and detecting skin cancer on yourself and others. Perform regular self-examinations of your skin and note any changes. Many people, especially those who have fair coloring or have had extensive sun exposure, periodically check their entire body for suggestive moles and lesions. Have your primary health care provider or a skin specialist (dermatologist) check any moles or spots that concern you.

See your health care provider to check your skin if you notice any changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of pigmented areas (such as darker areas of skin or moles). The single most important thing you can do to lower your risk of skin cancer is to avoid direct sun exposure. Sunlight produces ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can directly damage the cells (DNA) of our skin.

People who work outdoors (farming, construction, boating, outdoor sports) are at the highest risk of developing a skin cancer. The sun's rays are the most powerful between 10 am and 2 pm, so you must be particularly careful during those hours. If you must be out during the day, wear clothing that covers as much of your skin as possible, including a wide-brimmed hat to block the sun from your face, scalp, neck, and ears. The best time to do self-examination is after a shower in front of a full-length mirror. Note any moles, birthmarks, and blemishes. Be on the alert for sores that do not heal or new nodules on the skin. Any mole that changes in size, color, or texture should be carefully examined. If you notice anything new or unusual, see your physician right away. Catching skin cancer early can save your life.