Premiere Dermatology

Recognition and Prevention of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer affecting over 1 million people yearly. Skin cancer is increasing at a rate faster than that of any other type of cancer.  There are two main groups of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma cancers.  Non-melanoma skin cancer is made up of two types, basal cell and suamous cell carcinomas.  The non-melanoma skin cancers are more common and less deadly than melanoma. It is estimated that one in every 5 Americans will develop a non-melanoma skin cancer during their lifetime. This year an estimated 10250 people will die of skin cancer mostly the deadliest type, melanoma.  The good news is that when caught early, skin cancer is easily treated and cured.  This article will focus on how to recognize and prevent these skin cancers so that you can protect yourself and your family.

Who is at greatest risk for skin cancer?  Well as you might expect, people with light skin who tend to burn easily are at much higher risk. However, anyone with a history of lots of sun exposure or tanning bed exposure is at higher risk of developing a skin cancer.
People with a family history of skin cancer are also at high risk for developing skin cancer themselves.  Having many moles and a history of sunburns markedly increases your risk of melanoma .

Lets discuss how to recognize the different types of skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of cancer.  It occurs most commonly on sun-exposed skin as a small shiny flat or raised area.  It can often bleed easily and enlarge gradually over time.
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer.  It also usually pops up on areas exposed to the sun.  Squamous cell carcinoma usually begins as a rough slightly tender area that gets thicker over time. Frequently, this type of cancer can be mistaken for a wart initially by the patient.  Any new or non-healing area of the skin should be evaluated by a Dermatologist.

Next, lets discuss how to recognize a pre-cancerous mole or melanoma.  The ABCD method was created to help people determine if a spot might need further evaluation by a Dermatologist.  A is for asymmetry.  If you can divide the mole into quadrants and none of the corners look alike, the mole is asymmetric and should be evaluated.  B is for border irregularities.  If the mole is not perfectly round or if its borders are jagged or continent shaped it could be precancerous.  C is for color change.  If your mole has more than one color within it or it recently changed colors, it should be checked.  D is for diameter.  If the mole is bigger than a pencil eraser (about 6mm) it should be watched  closely.  However, melanomas can be smaller than a pencil eraser. Therefore I add E for enlargement.  Any new, changing or rapidly enlarging mole should be evaluated by a dermatologist to ensure that the mole is not cancerous.

The key to curing the cancer is early treatment. Unfortunately, the number one reason patients do not seek treatment soon enough for skin cancer is fear.  Don’t be afraid to come in for evaluation.  In most cases the lesion being evaluated is a normal growth.  When a cancer is suspected a small sample of the skin called a biopsy can be done.  This is done under local anesthesia in the Dermatology clinic and is not painful.  Results are then called to the patient after the pathologist evaluates the biopsy and any further necessary treatment is discussed.  Patients are always surprised at how easily their skin cancer was removed. So don’t wait!

Finally, lets discuss ways to protect yourself and your family from this common  type of cancer. Most importantly, be safe in the sun. Unprotected sun exposure (natural or artificial) is the leading risk factor in the development of premature aging and skin cancer. Below are my  recommendations for sun protection:
1. Avoid mid-day sun when possible 10a.m.-2p.m. (No shadow-seek shade: if your shadow is shorter than you, you are likely to burn)
2. Wear protective clothing when possible. Wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, tight weave clothing (Coolibar.com)
3. Use special caution on water, snow or sand as these surfaces reflect up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays.
4. Avoid tanning beds. Contrary to popular belief they are not safer than the sun. Tanning beds increase your risk of premature aging and skin cancer. One huge myth is that tanning beds will keep you from burning in the sun.  This is false. Tanning beds are UVA rays.  A UVA tanning bed tan will not significantly protect you from burning in the UVB rays of the sun.
5. Most importantly, use a sunscreen daily if sun exposure more than 20 minutes planned:
a.  Apply even on cloudy days, 80% of the suns damaging rays penetrate clouds.
b.  Broad spectrum recommended, SPF 15 or above, don’t forget your lips.
c.  Best active ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Zinc Oxide or Avobenzone; now available in sprays, gels and oil free bases that are water and sweat proof.
d.  Best to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure
e. One ounce, enough to fill a shot glass, is needed to cover exposed areas.
f. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating heavily.

I hope this article has helped you know what to look for and how to protect yourself from skin cancer.  In summary, be careful to protect yourself in the sun, avoid tanning beds, and get any new or suspicious skin growth checked by a dermatologist as soon as possible.