pecifically, skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, and usually the
result of overexposure to the sun and harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Although skin
that's most exposed accounts for the majority of cases, well-covered areas of the
body, like your palms or genital area, also can be affected. All pigmentations —
dark and light — are subject to skin cancer.
According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer in
America, with 5.4 million basal and squamous cell skin cancers and more than 76,000
melanoma cases diagnosed each year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer,
kills more than 10,000 Americans each year — nearly 75% of all skin cancer deaths
in the U.S.
Skin cancer can take many forms, but the three most common are:
Basal cell carcinoma
Beginning in the basal cells in the outer layer of skin, basal cell carcinomas may
appear as a pearly or waxy bump, as well as a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-
like lesion.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Also in the outer layer of skin, this type of skin cancer forms in squamous cells.
Signs often are a firm, red nodule or a flat lesion with a scaly, crusty surface.
Melanoma
Melanoma makes up a small fraction of skin cancers, but it's also the most deadly.
Symptoms of melanoma include:
A large brown spot with darker speckles
A mole that changes in color, size or feel, or that bleeds
A small lesion with an abnormal border, and sections that appear red, white, blue
or bluish-black
Dark lesions on your palms, soles, fingertips or toes, or on mucous membranes
lining your nose, mouth.
Who's most at risk for skin cancer?
Anyone can get skin cancer, but those at a higher risk include:
Experiencing heavy exposure to UV rays
Having lighter skin
Having a family history of skin cancer
Having prevalent moles
Experiencing numerous severe sunburns in the past
Having a weakened immune system
Living in sunny or high-altitude climates
Any change in your natural skin color, such as a tan, burn or freckle, is dangerous
for your skin and increases your risk of skin cancer. Contact your health care team
if you have concerns about skin abnormalities. Skin cancer is treatable when caught
in its early stages.
Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, reduce stress, and
get vitamin D.external icon You can work and play outside without raising your skin
cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV
rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and
sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells.
Protection from UV rays is important all year, not just during the summer. UV rays
can reach you on cloudy and cool days, and they reflect off of surfaces like water,
cement, sand, and snow. In the continental United States, UV rays tend to be
strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daylight saving time (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. standard
time).
The UV Indexexternal icon forecasts the strength of UV rays each day. If the UV
index is 3 or higher in your area, protect your skin from too much exposure to the
sun.
How to Protect Your Skin From the Sun
Shade
You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade
under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Your best bet to protect your skin is to
use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside—even when you’re in
the shade.
Clothing
When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can
provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical,
try to wear a T-shirt or a beach cover-up. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric
offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry
one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing
is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.
Hat
For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades
your face, ears, and the back of your neck. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas,
works best to protect your skin from UV rays. Avoid straw hats with holes that let
sunlight through. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.
If you wear a baseball cap, you should also protect your ears and the back of your
neck by wearing clothing that covers those areas, using sunscreen, or staying in
the shade.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They
also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection. Most
sunglasses sold in the United States, regardless of cost, meet this standard. Wrap-
around sunglasses work best because they block UV rays from sneaking in from the
side.
Sunscreen
Put on broad spectrum sunscreenexternal icon that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and
has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Don’t forget to put a thick layer
on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And
remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies who are 6 months old or younger. The U.S.
Food and Drug Administrationexternal icon recommends keeping infants out of the sun
during midday and using protective clothing if they have to be in the sun.
SPF. Sunscreens are assigned a sun protection factor (SPF), which is a number that
rates how well they block UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection. You
should use a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher.
Reapplication. Sunscreen wears off. Put it on again if you stay out in the sun for
more than 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Expiration date. Check the sunscreen’s expiration date. Sunscreen without an
expiration date has a shelf life of no more than 3 years. Its shelf life is shorter
if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
Skin cancer can greatly reduce workers’ productivity. Every year, Americans lose
more than $100 million in productivity because of restricted activity or absence
from work due to skin cancer.
Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Don’t get sunburned.
Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight and long-sleeved shirt, pants,
a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection, when possible. For more
effective sun protection, select clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor
(UPF) label.
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. Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be
outside, even on cloudy days.
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.
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of
the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
Have fun as the warm days roll in, but always keep skin cancer prevention in mind.
