Skin Cancer Prevention
Skin cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide every year. It is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and according to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Fortunately, skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early so understanding how to prevent skin cancer is crucial.
Conduct a self-exam
Performing a regular self-examination is an important first step in detecting skin cancer early. It is best to check your skin in a well-lit room with a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. Check your entire body, including your scalp, between your toes, and on the bottoms of your feet. Pay attention to any moles, freckles, or birthmarks and look for any changes in size, shape, or color. Also, be aware of any new growths, sores that don't heal, or changes in the texture of your skin.
Know your ABCDEs
Knowing the skin cancer ABCDEs can help you recognize early warning signs of different cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.
- A stands for asymmetry, meaning that one half of the mole does not match the other half.
- B stands for border irregularity, meaning the edges are not smooth and have jagged or blurred edges.
- C stands for color, meaning the mole has different shades of brown, black, or tan, or is white, red, or blue.
- D stands for diameter, meaning the mole is larger than the size of a pencil eraser.
- E stands for evolving, meaning the mole is changing in size, shape, or color.
Seek a dermatologist’s advice
If you notice any unusual changes in your skin, don't hesitate to make an appointment with a dermatologist. Dermatologists are experts in skin cancer diagnosis and can perform a skin examination to determine if any of the changes you have noticed are cancerous. They may also perform a biopsy, which involves removing a small piece of skin tissue for examination under a microscope. This allows them to check for abnormalities in various cell types, including basal cells and squamous cells.
Protect your skin
Skin cancer prevention starts with protecting your skin from the sun by wearing sunscreen with an sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Always use broad spectrum sunscreen to protect against the complete range of ultraviolet (UV) rays, including UVA which contributes to premature aging, and UVB, which is linked with an increased risk of skin cancer. Ensure you reapply your sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats outdoors, and seek shade during peak hours when the sun's rays are strongest. You also need to limit your sun exposure, even on cloudy days. Also, avoid tanning beds, which can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.
References:
- City of Hope. (2022) UV radiation. Retrieved from https://www.cancercenter.com/cancer-types/skin-cancer/risk-factors/uv-rays
- American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Skin cancer. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer
- American Cancer Society. (2021). Key statistics for melanoma skin cancer. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Skin cancer. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605
- Skin Cancer Foundation. (n.d.). How to perform a self-exam. Retrieved from https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/early-detection/how-to-perform-a-self-exam/