Skin Cancer is Always in Season: Protect Your Skin Throughout the Year
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As the body's largest and fastest-growing organ, skin has one important job: protection. The American Academy of Dermatology likens it to a coat: It helps us stay warm when it’s cold, helps cool us when it’s hot, protects our insides from the environment, and prevents the body from losing fluids. It’s a big job. And when you consider that the first line of defense—the skin’s top layer, or epidermis—is only about 1/100th of an inch thick, the skin’s work seems even more remarkable. But for all its strength, the skin is also highly susceptible: Skin cancer is, by far, the most common type of cancer.
Most skin cancers fall into one of three main categories: basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma, named for the three main types of cells that make up the epidermis. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), approximately 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year; some 80% of those skin cancers will be of the basal-cell type. The ACS also projects that more than 73,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in 2015.
“The non-melanoma skin cancers—basal and squamous cell—tend to remain localized and grow slowly,” explains Leever Cancer Center Radiation Oncologist Dr. Joseph Ravalese III. “They are highly curable when found early. Melanoma is a different story. Melanoma cells have a greater chance to spread from the skin to lymph nodes and internal organs, making early detection and intervention vital.”
Melanomas often develop from existing moles on the back, shoulders, or the back of the legs; head and neck melanomas are also common. Far less common (but still possible) are melanomas that develop in the eyes, respiratory passages, and intestines.
“In most cases, all three forms of skin cancer will start with noticeable changes to normal skin patterns. Conducting regular skin self-exams and knowing what to look for when you do them are very, very important,” says Ravalese.
You should become familiar with the markings, patterns, and moles that occur naturally on your skin. Be sure to look between your toes and fingers, behind your ears, and throughout your scalp. Use a hand mirror to examine hard-to-see places. Know where your moles are and what they look like in terms of color, size, and shape (see sidebar); keep an eye on freckles; look for red, pearly, or waxy bumps; pay attention to scaly, crusted patches; and look for flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesions. If you notice a change in any of these, contact a dermatologist right away.
Because skin cancers often appear on sun-exposed areas of the body, including the face, ears, lips, neck, and back of the hand, their incidence is often linked to exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. In fact, it is estimated that up to 90% of skin cancers are due to UV radiation. And it doesn’t have to be summer for the sun to be dangerous. Any time you are outside, your skin is exposed to UV rays from the sun—even when it’s cold, and even when it’s cloudy.
“People love the sun. It allows us to be outdoors enjoying all kinds of fun activities, from swimming and barbecues in the summer, to skiing and ice fishing in the winter,” notes Ravalese. “And it is okay to enjoy the sun in moderation, as long as you take appropriate precautions.”
So how can you enjoy the sun while limiting your risk of skin cancer? The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting your time in the midday sun, and seeking out shade whenever possible. If you must be in the sun, wear protective clothing, such as a broad-brimmed hat to protect the eyes, face, and neck. Wear sunglasses that provide 99 to 100% UVA and UVB protection.
And while these methods offer greater protection than sunscreen, it is still important to lather up. Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen of sun protection factor (SPF) 30+, and be sure to reapply it often. Make sure your children are protected (and that they understand the importance of protection), and always keep babies in the shade.
“Using sunscreen should be part of everyone’s daily routine, 365 days of the year,” says Leever Cancer Center Executive Director Kevin Kniery. “Today, many daily moisturizers include sunscreen, making it even easier to be sure you are protected—year-round. It doesn’t have to be summer to guard against skin cancer.”
An Ounce of Prevention
- Avoid the midday (10am – 4pm) sun as much as possible.
- Wear a hat and protective clothing.
- Apply sunscreen frequently, every day, 365 days a year.
- Wear sunglasses that block UV radiation.
- Beware of photosensitive medications.
- Beware of sunscreen allergies. Use a PABA-free sunscreen.
- Beware of reflective surfaces like water and snow.
- Avoid tanning parlors.
- Teach your children sun protection at an early age.
- Watch for the National Weather Service UV Index for your skin every day!