Americans have reason to be troubled by the latest skin cancer statistics, as incidents of the most serious form – melanoma – have been on the rise. Those carefree holidays at the beach or long hours of working outside without sun protection are now starting to take their toll. Usually, a persistent sore or growing bump on the skin is the first sign of possible skin cancer.
For people with years of frequent sun exposure, the risk of skin cancer is higher. This is especially true when other risk factors also apply. Understanding how skin cancer develops and how you can prevent it is the best way of avoiding a cancer diagnosis.
Skin Cancer?
Whether for work or play, we spend a lot of time in the sun. Skin damage, however, starts within minutes of exposure to the ultraviolet (UV) rays, causing permanent DNA damage to the cells in the outer skin layer (epidermis). This causes mutations in the cells that boost uncontrolled cell proliferation; the first step towards the development of skin tumors.
In the USA, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer and melanoma is the fifth most common cancer. Roughly one in five Americans develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
Known Causes and Prevention
The old saying “prevention is the best medicine” truly applies to skin cancer! Because exposure to sunlight, particularly UV-B radiation, is the main cause, wearing densely woven clothing and a wide-brim hat when going outside and applying SPF30 sunscreen several times daily is important. Babies younger than six months should not use sunscreen.
Other risk factors are a blistering sunburn at a young age, the use of tanning beds, UV-A therapy, a previous skin cancer diagnosis, the presence of precancerous lesions (actinic keratosis) and cancer in a close relative (genetics). People with fair skin and light-colored eyes who burn easily are also at greater risk, as are those with freckles or moles.
Early diagnosis is important, as skin cancer occasionally spreads deeper and to other areas in the body such as the lymphatic system (metastasis). Skin cancer can therefore be more effectively treated if it’s caught early. Current common treatments include biopsy, excision and Mohs micrographic surgery. Additional treatments may include chemotherapy and targeted immunotherapy.
What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
There are several types of skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Skin cancer can occur on any part of the body, even under the nails, but melanoma is most often found on the parts of the body getting the most UV exposure – the head and neck.
If you are at risk, examine your entire body monthly, including your scalp and inside of your mouth. Signs of possible skin cancer are a constantly itchy or ulcerated lesion; one that changes shape or color, keeps growing, or doesn’t heal. These must be brought to the attention of a dermatologist as soon as possible. A professional annual check is also recommended.
The “ABCDE Rule”
As a guide to self-examination, the American Cancer Society has coined the term “ABCDE rule”. Look for moles that are:
Asymmetrical -in shape
Border – this may be irregular
Color – dark or more than one color
Diameter – more than ¼ inch (6 mm) wide
Evolving – the mole seems to be changing over time (size, shape, color, etc.)
Most skin lesions and moles are not cancerous. However, always consult with a dermatologist as soon as you notice any with an unusual appearance. Prompt treatment can effectively prevent cancer from developing and spreading.