“Did you remember to put on sunscreen?” You probably heard it from your parents all the time growing up. Even though it seems like an inconvenience, the little things we do to protect our skin have major benefits. On the flip side, missing out on things like reapplying sunscreen can have major consequences, too.
Skin cancer prevention is something that can fit seamlessly into your daily routine with a few small habits that make a big difference.
Skin Cancer Statistics You Should Know
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer worldwide. This means that there is a lot of data pointing to risk factors, age groups, and skin cancer prevention methods. These statistics can give you some background:
- The closest estimate of case numbers for most common forms of skin cancer (basal and squamous cell carcinoma) is from a 2012 study: 5.4 million cases among 3.3 million people.
- Skin cancer rates are high in states with high UV levels, like Hawaii and California, but landlocked states with lower UV levels, such as Utah, Vermont, and Minnesota, can be just as dangerous.
- About half of all melanomas are found in people over age 50, but skin cancer is the third most common form of cancer in men and women ages 15-30.
Understanding the Risk Factors of Skin Cancer
Everyone is vulnerable to skin cancer, but some factors put you at higher risk than others. Here are just a few:
1. UV Exposure
Over 80% of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to UV radiation. This means that the more time you spend in the sunlight or a UV tanning bed, the more likely you are to develop skin cancer.
2. Large Numbers of Moles
Any mole can develop skin cancer, but those with a large number of moles (think 50 or more) are at higher risk. One of the early signs of melanoma is an abnormality or change in a mole’s size, shape, or color.
3. Fair Skin, Light Eyes, or Light Hair
Unfortunately for our fair-skinned friends, the light color of your skin, eyes, or hair means your body doesn’t produce as much melanin. Melanin helps block UV rays, but it doesn’t prevent skin cancer. Anyone of any skin tone is vulnerable to UV exposure.
4. Family History of Skin Cancer
Around 1 in 10 individuals with melanoma have some kind of family history with the disease. If you have an immediate family member who has had skin cancer, you may be at higher risk as well.
5 Easy Ways to Help Prevent Skin Cancer
Implementing skin cancer prevention into your routine isn’t as hard as it sounds. These 5 tips can help you protect your skin without disrupting your lifestyle.
1. Apply Sunscreen Every Day
When it comes to sun protection, sunscreen is a must. Even if you’re only in the sun for a little bit, that added exposure increases your risk for skin cancer.
- Use Broad-Spectrum Protection: Make sure your sunscreen is at least SPF 30 and protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Make It Routine: Many moisturizers or foundations now include SPF protection, which makes it easy to add to your routine!
2. Check Your Skin Regularly
One of the best ways to keep yourself healthy is to know what signs to look for when it comes to skin cancer. Conducting regular self-exams can help with early identification but even more important is yearly skin checks at a dermatologist.
- Look for Changes: Examine moles and freckles for unusual shapes, colors, or growths.
- Use the ABCDE Rule: Monitor moles for asymmetry, irregular borders, unusual colors, diameters larger than a pencil eraser, or changes over time.
3. Take Advantage of Blue Light & Red Light
Blue light and red light therapies can treat precancerous skin and help your body fight back against skin damage. They use newer, noninvasive technologies to boost your body’s natural responses.
- Blue Light Therapy: Shorter exposure time and light wavelengths help with surface-level skin damage.
- Red Light Therapy: This therapy is used for more extensive penetration, allowing healing on thicker skin lesions and deeper levels of the skin.
Talk to a dermatologist if you think this treatment may be right for you.
4. Cover Up When in the Sun
While sunscreen can do a lot, it’s easy to forget to reapply. Covering up when you’re spending a lot of time in the sun can help.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and tightly woven fabrics are great shields against UV rays.
- Stay in the Shade: If you’re outdoors between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (when UV rays are strongest), stay in the shade as much as possible.
5. Avoid Excessive Sun Exposure
Along with sunscreen and covering up, being mindful of how much sun you’re exposed to can significantly reduce your risk:
- Avoid Tanning Beds: Indoor tanning can increase your risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 58% and basal cell carcinoma by 24%.
- Limit Recreational Sun Time: Try to plan outdoor activities outside peak sunlight hours (before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m.).
When you use these simple methods, skin cancer prevention gets a whole lot easier.
What if I Already Have Skin Cancer?
If you’re already facing a skin cancer diagnosis, there is a proven and effective treatment called Mohs surgery. This precise procedure removes cancerous cells layer by layer while preserving the healthy tissue surrounding the area. Because of its high success rate and minimal scarring, it’s a great option for treating certain skin cancers.
The expert dermatologists at Utah Valley Dermatology specialize in Mohs surgery. This procedure offers up to a 99% cure rate for new cancers and 95% for recurring cancers. Learn more about the process or contact us today to know if Mohs surgery is right for you.
