May is Skin Cancer Awareness

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Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and more common than you think. 

Skin Cancer Facts

  • About 3.5 million cases of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. 
  • It is estimated that in 2015, melanoma (a more severe type of skin cancer) will account for more than 73,000 cases of skin cancer. 
  • Accounts for over 76% of cancer deaths each year
  • Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer combined.
  • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their life. 
  • About 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers are caused by excessive sun exposure (ultraviolet radiation)
  • Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer; it affects more than 58 million Americans.
  • 40-50% of Americans who live to age 65 will have either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma at least once in their life.
  • Three main types of skin cancer.
  • Basal cell carcinoma (most common type)
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Melanoma (most deadly)

Actinic keratosis – a rough, scaly skin patch that develops from years of sun exposure - is a potential “precancer”. If left untreated, it can turn into squamous cell carcinoma. 

Major risk factors for skin cancer:

Fair skin/lighter natural skin color

 Moleso Family history of skin cancer or a personal history of skin cancer 

Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure from the sun, or indoor tanning. 

UV radiation is a proven human carcinogen Skin that burns easily, gets red easily, or becomes painful in the sun. 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Any change in your skin (i.e. change in size or color of a mole, growth, or spot, a new growth)
  • Change in a particular area of the skin (becomes scaly or rough, may bleed or ooze)
  • A skin sore develops that does not heal
  • Abnormal pigmentation that spreads beyond border of skin patch, growth, or spot (i.e. dark coloring that spreads beyond border of a mole or spot)
  • Change in sensation on part of the skin (i.e. becomes itchy, tender, or painful)
  •  Skin cancer is preventable. Here are prevention tips to prevent skin cancer:
  • The shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
  • Do not burn.
  • Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
  • Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • 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.
  • Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
  • Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
  • Keep newborns out of the sun.
  • Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months:
  • Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
  • See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.