The first day of summer marks the beginning of a season spent laying by the pool, taking a trip to the beach, and spending as much time outside as possible. However, spending all that time in the sun can come with serious consequences.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than 3.5 million skin cancers in more than two million people are diagnosed each year, and, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Although skin cancer can be serious, it is very curable if caught early. Here are some things you should know about this disease and how to prevent it, courtesy of Barnes-Jewish Hospital:
1. There are three main types of skin cancer:
• Basil Cell Carcinoma: Basal cell carcinoma accounts for approximately 80 percent of all skin cancers. This highly treatable cancer starts in the basal cell layer of the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and grows very slowly. Basal cell carcinoma usually appears as a small, shiny bump or nodule on the skin, mainly those areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, arms, hands, and face. It most commonly occurs among people with light-colored eyes, hair, and complexion.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Squamous cell carcinoma, although more aggressive than basal cell carcinoma, is highly treatable. It accounts for about 20 percent of all skin cancers. Squamous cell carcinoma may appear as nodules or red, scaly patches of sk in, and may be found on sun-exposed areas such as the face, ears, lips, and mouth. However, if left untreated, squamous cell carcinoma can spread to other parts of the body. This type of skin cancer is usually found in fair-skinned people.
• Malignant Melanoma: Malignant melanoma accounts for a small percentage of all skin cancers, but accounts for most deaths from skin cancer. Malignant melanoma starts in the melanocytes--cells that produce pigment in the skin. Malignant melanomas sometimes begin as an abnormal mole that then turns cancerous. This cancer may spread quickly. Malignant melanoma most often appears on fair-skinned men and women, but people with all skin types may be affected.
2. The use of indoor tanning beds increases the risk of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, by 74 percent.
3. Skin cancer is more common in fair-skinned people, especially those with blond or red hair, who have light-colored eyes. Skin cancer is rare in children. Men are also more likely to develop skin cancer than women. However, no one is safe from skin cancer.
4. The amount of time spent unprotected in the sun directly affects your risk of skin cancer. Research has shown that sunburns early in life increase a person's risk for skin cancer later in life.
5. The first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color or feel of an existing mole, according to the National Cancer Institute. If you have any of these signs, see your doctor:
• Asymmetry: The shape of half of the mole doesn't match the other.
• Border: The edges are often ragged, notched, blurred or irregular; the pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
• Color: The color is uneven. Shades of black, brown and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue also may be seen.
• Diameter: The size of the mole changes, usually growing larger. Melanomas are usually larger than the eraser of a pencil (a quarter-inch).
6. There are several risk factors for skin cancer that you might not necessarily relate to skin diseases, including a weakened immune system (sometimes due to organ transplants), exposure to certain chemicals and radiation, smoking, and HPV.
7. If you’re going to be outside, seek shade when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Be sure to wear protective clothing, including a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
8. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher on all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
9. The American Academy of Pediatrics approves of the use of sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months old only if adequate clothing and shade are not available. Parents should still try to avoid sun exposure and dress the infant in lightweight clothing that covers most surface areas of skin. However, parents also may apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to the infant's face and back of the hands.
10. Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand, which can reflect the sun's rays and increase the chances of sunburn.
