Skin Cancer Can Affect Every Skin Type - Tips on How to Protect Yourself
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Current estimates are that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. The good news is that most of these cancers are curable if they are diagnosed and treated early enough. But in order to stop skin cancer, we have to spot it on time.
Who can get skin cancer?
Simply put, if you have skin, you can get skin cancers. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones including those with darker skin tones who always tan or rarely burn.
The most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma. The most common cause of skin cancers is from exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
What causes skin cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when errors (mutations) occur in the DNA of skin cells. The mutations cause the cells to grow out of control and form a mass of cancer cells. Much of the damage to DNA in skin cells results from ultraviolet (UV) radiation found in sunlight and in the lights used in tanning beds. Other risks include genetics, toxic chemical exposure and radiation and a weakened immune system.
UV radiation from the sun isn’t just dangerous, it’s also sneaky. It reaches you even when you’re trying to avoid it – penetrating through clouds and glass, bouncing off of snow, water and sand. What’s more, sun damage accumulates over the years, adding up from repeated sun exposure during simple activities like walking the dog, going from your car to the store and bringing in the mail.
How can you prevent skin cancer?
Protecting yourself completely requires a comprehensive approach. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you:
Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Don’t get sunburned.
Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad- spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating. Find sunscreen by searching our Recommended Products.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
Skin Cancer & Skin of Color: What You Need to Know
Skin cancer affects people of all colors, including those with darker skin tones who always tan or rarely burn. While skin cancers may be less prevalent in nonwhite racial ethnic groups, when they occur, they tend to be diagnosed at a later stage and, as a result, have a worse prognosis.
According to the American Cancer Society, “Black patients with melanoma have an estimated five-year melanoma survival rate of 67 percent, versus 92 percent for whites.”
People with skin of color are prone to skin cancer in areas that aren’t commonly exposed to the sun, like the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, the groin and the inside of the mouth. They also may develop melanoma under their nails.
Early Detection
Early detection saves lives. We recommend monthly self skin exams at home and an annual full body skin cancer screening at your dermatologist.
When you examine your skin, look for anything NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL on your skin and contact a dermatologist. This includes:
A growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored.
A mole, birthmark or brown spot that increases in size, thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser.
A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab or bleed.
An open sore that does not heal within three weeks.
The Advanced Dermatology and Aesthetic Medicine team is knowledgeable and experienced in answering questions about skin cancer, explaining prevention of skin cancer, performing annual exams and providing any necessary treatment. Contact our team to schedule your annual skin cancer screening. Remember that detecting skin cancer means it’s easier to cure and leaves a smaller scar.
Schedule your appointment today!
To keep you protected all summer- stock up on your sunscreens here!
20% off ALL our sunscreen during May to honor skin cancer awareness month! Use code SUN20 during checkout!
Our favorites:
Invisible shield- an all around broad spectrum sunscreen for the face that’s invisible- even on darker skin tones
On-the go spf sunscreen brush- a no spill, brush on powder sunscreen best for reapplication (can be brushed over your makeup) for rooftop and patio drinks all summer
Elta MD body lotion- spf 30- a big bottle for the body- to keep your shoulders, arms and legs protected during baseball games and rooftops
Elta aero spray- shake, spray on and rub in. Men and kids love this no nonsense way to apply sunscreen for beach days