One in five Americans develops skin cancer over their lifetime, making it the most common form of cancer. We get less than 25 percent of our total lifetime sun damage before the age of 18. Its everyday outside unprotected exposure called “cumulative damage” that causes the majority of our skin cancer. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most serious. Basal cell carcinoma: The most common variety of skin cancer, about 80% of skin cancer develops from this type of cell. Basal cell cancer usually develops on skin that gets sun exposure, such as on the head, neck, and back of the hands. It often appears as flesh-colored, pearl-like bumps, though it can also include pinkish skin patches. It also develops on sun-exposed areas of skin, but does not grow quickly and rarely spreads. Squamous cell carcinoma: Approximately 10% to 30% of skin cancer develops from these cells. This cancer typically appears on sun-exposed skin areas and often resembles a scaly patch, firm bump or ulcer that heals and then re-opens. It is the second-most common type and can grow deep into the skin if not caught early, causing disfigurement. Melanoma: Melanoma accounts for less than one percent of skin cancer cases, but the vast majority of skin cancer deaths. It’s the most common form of any cancer in adults age 25 to 29. Melanoma often develops in an existing mole or appears suddenly as a new dark spot. Risk factors include having several large or many small moles; exposure to natural or artificial sunlight over long period. Melanoma is the most serious and most aggressive (fastest growing) form of skin cancer. Men tend to develop melanoma more often on the trunk (the area from the shoulders to the hips) or the head and neck. Women more often develop melanoma on the extremities (arms and legs). Known risk factors for skin cancer include the following: • Complexion: Skin cancers are more common in people with light-colored skin, hair, and eyes. • Genetics: Having a family history of melanoma increases the risk of developing this cancer. • Age: Nonmelanoma skin cancers are more common after age 40. • Sun exposure. Most skin cancers occur on areas of the skin that are exposed to sun. Even one sunburn in your lifetime may double your chance of eventually developing melanoma. This is considered the primary cause of all skin cancers. • Exposure to tanning beds before age 30 increases your risk of developing melanoma by 75 percent. Prevention According to the AAD, sun exposure is the most avoidable risk factor for skin cancer of all types. Preventive measures include: • Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Physical sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide should be the major ingredient in your sunblock. • Seeking shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest. Up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds. Even in the winter, snow can reflect up to 80 percent of the UV rays. • Wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses. You may buy sun protective clothing from companies like REI, or Sun Precautions. Sun Guard can be added to your existing laundry to give you 96% protection. You are your skin's best friend, take good care of it this summer!
