Skin Cancer: The most common cancer and the most preventable

You've heard about the dangers of too much sun exposure and the need to use sunscreen. Still, you love the great outdoors and wouldn't miss a day of playing in the sun. Sunscreen? That is an afterthought. Or your prom or some other significant event is coming up so you opt for a tanning booth thinking….just this once. If any of these scenarios describes you, you may be setting yourself up for skin cancer.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates 1 in five Americans will develop skin cancer during the course of their life.
“Skin cancer is considered a life style disease, and because of that, it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer,” said Carson City Oncologist Dr. Jorge Perez. “About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 65 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolent (UV) radiation from the sun,” he said.

While having a fair complexion with freckles, pale skin and moles puts you at greater risk, you are still at risk even if you have darker skin and never sunburn. “A very virulent form of skin cancer called, Acral lentiginous melanoma, is more common among darker-skinned people,” said Dr. Perez. “These melanomas tend to appear on parts of the body that do not often get exposure to sunlight.” He added, “Unfortunately, these melanomas tend to remain undetected until after the cancer has spread.”

So how can you be “sun safe?” Here are a few tips:
• Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when the sun is strongest.
• Do not get sunburned. Your risk for melanoma doubles you have had five or more sunburns at any point in your life.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Cover up with clothing.
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher every day.
• Use water resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or more for extended outdoor activity.
• Make sure you apply enough sunscreen and often. Use two tablespoons 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. Just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life.

“When it comes to tanning, there is no such thing as a ‘safe’ tan,” said Dr. Perez. “It damages the skin, period. If you want color, you might consider a self-tanning solution instead.”

As for skin health, it is advised to examine your skin head-to-toe every month. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one, or anything that looks suspicious, see your doctor immediately. It is also wise to see your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

For more information on cancer and cancer treatments, visit Sierra Nevada Cancer Center here.