Skin Cancer Prevention

Men's Health, Prevention, Women's Health

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. More than 5 million cases are diagnosed annually! So, what is skin cancer? Skin cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, most often on skin that is exposed to the sun. However, skin cancer can occur on areas of the skin not usually exposed to sunlight.

There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Both basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas typically appear on sun-exposed areas of the body (face, neck, ears, and hands), while melanomas can develop anywhere on the body (on normal skin or existing moles).

Let’s explore at what you might see for each type.

Basal Cell Carcinomas

- Pearly or waxy bumps
- Flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions
- Bleeding or scabbing sores that heal and return

Squamous Cell Carcinomas

- Firm, red nodules
- Flat lesions with scaly, crusted surfaces

Melanomas

- Large, brownish spots with darker speckles
- Moles that change in color, size or feel or that bleed
- Small lesions with irregular borders and parts that are red, pink, white, blue, or blue/black
- Painful lesions that itch or burn
- Dark lesions on palms of hands, soles of feet, fingertips, toes, or on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, nose, vagina, or anus

Risk factors

Certain people are more at risk of developing skin cancer than others. Read below for a list of risk factors to consider.

Fair skin

Naturally blond or red hair, light-colored eyes, freckle or sunburn easily

Sunburn history

History of one or more blistering sunburns as a child or teen increases risk as an adult; Sunburns in adulthood

Excessive sun exposure

Includes exposure to tanning lamps/beds

Sunny or high-altitude climates where sunlight and radiation exposure are strongest

Number of existing moles

Having many moles increases risk of developing cancerous changes

Family or personal history of skin cancer

Weakened immune system

(e.g., due to HIV/AIDS or immunosuppressant drugs following organ transplant)

Exposure to radiation

(e.g., for skin conditions such as eczema and acne)

Fortunately, there are many ways to prevent skin cancer.

Avoid intentional tanning and tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and wrinkling
Seek shade, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest (between 10 AM and 4 PM)
Wear protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses)
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as these surfaces reflect damaging sun rays and increase the risk of sunburn
Get Vitamin D safely through a healthy diet and/or a vitamin supplement
Apply sunscreen generously 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours
Use broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ for protection from ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation

Early detection of melanomas is particularly important because this type of skin cancer can be deadly if left untreated. Pay attention to new or changing spots, and have such spots evaluated quickly. Also take time to carefully examine your entire skin surface (scalp to sole) at least once a month. Melanomas are easiest to cure before they become dangerous, disfiguring, or deadly.

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any changes in your skin that worry you.

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