What You Need to Know About Skin Cancer
Skin cancer affects the outermost layer of your skin. It’s most often caused by UV radiation from the sun (sun lamps and tanning beds are other sources of UV radiation). While you may like the look of bronzed skin, a tan or sunburn is actually a sign of UV damage. That damage can add up over the years, increasing your risk of skin cancer.
There are two main categories of skin cancer: melanoma and nonmelanoma. Melanoma (also known as malignant melanoma) is less common than nonmelanoma, but it’s much more dangerous. In 2019, about 88,000 people were diagnosed with melanomas.
Nonmelanomas are much more common — an estimated 4.3 million people are treated for a nonmelanoma each year. Nonmelanomas are often easy to treat, usually with surgery to remove the cancerous tissue.
The two most common types of nonmelanoma skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. More than 4 million cases of basal cell carcinoma occur in the United States each year.
Melanoma often looks like or develops from a mole. It is usually asymmetrical, has an uneven border, an irregular color, or changes in size and shape.
Basal cell carcinoma may look like a pimple, lump, or an open or nonhealing sore. It might display as reddish patches, shiny bumps, or discolored patches of skin.
Your best bet is to talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual spots on your skin or changes to existing moles. They may refer you to a dermatologist, a doctor who specializes in skin care. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, your doctor might recommend yearly skin checks by a dermatologist.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
The prevalence of skin cancer has increased over the last 10 years, and prevention is more important than ever. Protecting yourself from too much sun exposure is the best way to keep your skin healthy. To lower your chances of getting skin cancer, take the following precautions:
- Avoid tanning beds. Just one tanning session increases skin cancer risk by 70%.
- Cover up. Wear protective clothing when outside, including long sleeves, a broad-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek out shade. The sun’s rays do the most damage between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Choose your sunscreen carefully. Sunscreens should protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for something that is water-resistant with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. A lip balm with SPF is essential too.
- Apply sunscreen correctly. Adults should apply two tablespoons of sunscreen for about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside and every two hours afterward. If you’re swimming or sweating excessively, reapply more frequently.
Don’t forget hard-to-reach spots. People almost universally forget their hands, scalp, ears, and feet when applying sunscreen.