Skin cancer is a serious disease that can kill if it isn't found and treated quickly. Every year, skin cancer affects an alarming number of people in the United States. This skin condition can occur in people of all skin tones and at any age, so it's important to understand the risk factors, warning signs, and methods of prevention. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer, so people who spend significant amounts of time outdoors and in tanning beds may have an increased risk. Being aware of skin changes is also important; certain skin irregularities, such as moles or bumps that increase in size, can be signs of skin cancer. Fortunately, skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. Self-examining your skin regularly and seeing a doctor if anything looks off is key. Also, using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, staying out of the sun during peak hours, and wearing clothes that protect the skin are all good ways to lower the risk of skin cancer. Knowing the facts about skin cancer can help keep you safe and informed. It's never too late to start protecting your skin!
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three common types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently diagnosed skin cancer; however, melanoma is the most dangerous and accounts for most skin cancer-related deaths each year. The sun's ultraviolet radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer because it affects skin cells' DNA and accelerates their aging process. People who have fair skin and light eyes are more prone to skin cancer due to their lower levels of the protective skin pigment melanin. Other risk factors include getting too much UV radiation from tanning beds or sunlamps, having family members with skin cancer, having a weak immune system, getting repeated radiation therapy treatments for other health problems, or having a history of non-melanoma skin cancers.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for nearly 80 percent of all skin cancer cases in the United States. BCC forms in the skin cells that make up the topmost layer of skin. It appears as pink or red patches, shiny bumps, open sores, scars, or firm lumps that can bleed easily. Basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads to organs outside of the skin, but it can grow into nearby tissues and cause extensive skin damage if left untreated.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is another type of skin cancer that forms in the thin, flat cells that make up the middle layer of skin. It typically appears as a scaly patch with a red or brown coloration and may also appear as an open sore or wart-like growth on your skin. Like BCC, SCC can spread to other organs if left untreated; however, it tends to do so more slowly than melanoma.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the rarest but deadliest form of skin cancer and accounts for about 5 percent of all skin cancer cases each year. It starts in melanocytes, which are cells in the skin that make pigment. It usually looks like a mole with uneven edges that changes color, size, or shape over time. Melanomas often appear on areas where you have frequent sun exposure, like your hands and face; however, they can also show up anywhere on your body, including inside your mouth, eyes, and ears. If treated early, before it has a chance to spread to other parts of your body, it is highly curable, but when diagnosed late, it can be fatal within five years if not treated properly.
It is important to check your skin regularly for changes such as new moles that have grown or shape; darkened patches or sores; or lesions that appear crusty and scaly. If you notice any changes on your skin that do not go away after several weeks or months, you should contact your physician immediately for an evaluation. In some cases, a biopsy may be required to determine if it’s cancerous. To protect yourself from developing skin cancer, you should use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) rating of at least 30 when outdoors, no matter what the season; wear hats with wide brims whenever possible; avoid peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest; cover up as much exposed skin as possible with clothing; and avoid tanning salons completely. Get regular checkups with a dermatologist, who will perform a full body scan to look for changes in your skin that need to be investigated further.
Dangers of Tanning
Tanning is one of the most dangerous behaviors when it comes to skin cancer. It has been proven that people who regularly tan are up to 75% more likely to develop skin cancer than those who don’t. Tanning can be done outdoors in the sun, or indoors using UV lamps, but both types of tanning have their risks. UV rays from the sun and tanning beds hurt our skin cells and make us more likely to get skin cancer. Over time, this exposure can cause skin cancer as well as wrinkles, age spots, and other skin issues.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified ultraviolet radiation from indoor tanning devices as a Group 1 carcinogen – meaning there is sufficient evidence that it causes cancer in humans. In fact, people who begin to use indoor tanning devices before the age of 35 increase their risk of melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – by 59%. There is also an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma associated with indoor tanning.
Excessive exposure to UV radiation also suppresses your body's ability to make melanin, which is an important skin pigment that helps protect you from skin damage and skin cancer. This will stop your skin from protecting itself from the sun in the future, which will make your chances of getting skin cancer even higher.
Protecting Your Skin
Using a sunscreen regularly while out in the sun will help protect your skin; however, it won't stop all UV radiation from entering your body through exposure to strong sunlight or artificial sources like tanning beds or lamps. Wearing protective clothing such as hats with wide brims and long-sleeved shirts can help shield you from direct exposure to harmful UV rays in some cases. Sun protective clothing manufactured with specific fabrics and pre-treated with UV-inhibiting ingredients are commercially available as well. You can also cut down on your exposure by wearing sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
The best way to lower your risk of skin cancer is to stay out of the sun and away from all other sources of UV radiation. If you must be out in the sun for extended periods of time, then try to limit activities during peak hours between 10:00 am - 4:00 pm when the UV rays are strongest or seek shade whenever possible during these times.
There are plenty of alternatives to tanning that can help you achieve a healthy, glowing skin tone. Self-tanners are a great, safe way to get a sun-kissed look without the harmful UV radiation. Many self-tanning products have dihydroxyacetone (DHA), which is a natural sugar compound that darkens the skin when it reacts with the amino acids in the skin. You can find these in lotions, sprays, or mousses; however, it's important to apply them cautiously, as too much can cause an unnatural orange tint. If you're looking for a longer-lasting tan, consider getting an airbrush spray tan at your local salon.
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, but it can be avoided if you don't spend too much time in the sun, pay close attention to changes in your skin, and take precautions when you're outside, like wearing protective clothing or putting on sunscreen lotion every day during peak hours, even on cloudy days, because UV rays pass through clouds. Early detection is key when it comes to this disease, so make sure you're checking yourself regularly for any suspicious moles or lesions and consulting with your doctor if anything doesn’t seem "right" so treatment can begin quickly before it becomes too advanced to treat. Skin cancer can be avoided and you can protect yourself from this dangerous disease if you take the right steps.
Key Takeaways
Skin cancer is a serious disease that can cause extensive damage if left untreated. It is caused primarily by UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds, and it can occur in people of all skin tones and ages. There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In order to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer, it's important to avoid tanning salons and protect your skin with clothing or sunscreen when outdoors. Check your skin regularly for any changes such as new moles, darkened patches or sores, or lesions that appear scaly; if anything seems off, contact your doctor right away. Early detection is key to treating this deadly disease; so make sure you're aware of the warning signs and take steps to protect yourself from being exposed to UV radiation.