Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month. 

Summer is just around the corner with plans to spend more time outside. There are a number of things you can proactively do to protect your skin.

According to SkinCancer.org there are over 5 million skin cancer cases diagnosed in the United States every year, with skin cancer being America’s most common cancer.

The good news is that skin cancer is preventable. Consequently, awareness and education are key.   

Tips for Prevention

• Seek shade. This is a great option, but it still requires skin protection. Cancer.net recommends a minimum of one ounce (two tablespoons or a full shot glass) of sunscreen or sunblock every day.

• Cover up. Lip balm, a wide-brimmed hat, sun visor, UV-blocking sunglasses, or an umbrella. Did you know that years of exposure to UV rays can cause cataracts?

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunblock. The recommendations are to use sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. Throw away sunscreen that is two years or older, as its potency diminishes with time. Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or immediately after excessive sweating or getting out of the water.

• Avoid tanning booths. The risks of both the UVB and the UVA radiation are so high that some states prohibit them, and there are countries like Brazil and Australia, that limit or prohibit the use of tanning beds, especially for teenagers.

Choosing a sunscreen or sunblock can be overwhelming. We like this list that Prevention has put together.

Did you know that you can get sunburn even on cloudy or hazy days? UV rays reflect off of snow, sand, water, and even cement. Often sunburn doesn’t show up for hours.

There are a few signs to watch out for during a simple skin self-exam.

Skin Cancer Signs

• Irregular borders on moles (ragged, notched, or blurred edges).

• Moles that are asymmetrical (one half doesn’t match the other).

• Moles that are bigger than a pencil eraser.

• Itchy or painful moles.

• New moles.

• Sores that bleed and do not heal.

• Red patches or lumps.

Risk Factors

• Age: Skin cancer risks can increase as you age. Over the years, you accumulate exposure to UV radiation, putting you more at risk. Regardless of age, frequent sunburns, especially when they occur during childhood, increase the risk of developing melanoma.

• Immune suppression: Viruses, diseases, or immune suppression therapy associated with organ transplantation may increase skin cancer risks.

• Gender: You may be surprised to find out that men are approximately two times more likely to develop basal cell carcinomas and three times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinomas than women.

• Skin tone: Caucasians are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer than other groups. People with blond or red hair, blue or green eyes, or skin that burns or freckles easily are also at a higher risk.

• Smoking: Smokers have more than a 50% risk increase in developing squamous cell skin cancers, particularly on the lips.

• Chemical exposure: Certain chemicals, including arsenic, industrial tar, coal, paraffin, and other types of oils, can increase the risk for certain types of non-melanoma skin cancers.

If you have spots you are unsure of, schedule an appointment to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Best practices are to get a checkup once a year even if you don’t see any spots.

SkinCancer.org has put together an awareness tool kit that offers free images that you can download and share on your social media pages to spread the word and bring attention to this all-important topic.

Share this with those you love, including your children, to develop good habits while they are young. Skin cancer is treatable when found early, but prevention is the key that unlocks the door to health and wellness when we educate ourselves and those around us.

Share your photographs on social media with the hashtags #sunsafeselfie and #impacthealthsharing to raise awareness about the benefits of sun protection. 

If you don’t have healthcare, Impact can be a great choice. If you have questions, we’d love to help. Visit our website for more information, and give us a call at 855-378-6777 when ready!