More than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. In recognition of May being Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Awareness Month, Dr. Lawrence Mark, a dermatologist with IU Health Physicians and the IU Simon Cancer Center, discusses what you need to know in order to prevent and detect skin cancer.
What is skin cancer?
There are three different types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. While basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common types, melanoma is the most deadly, killing one American every hour. Most skin cancers are highly preventable and curable if detected early.
What are the signs and symptoms I should look for?
Melanoma often starts as small, mole-like growths that change size and color. Basal cell carcinomas are typically pink, red or translucent, shiny areas; they can be flat or raised. Squamous cell carcinomas appear as growing lumps with a rough surface or as flat, reddish patches that grow slowly.
What can I do to reduce my chances of developing skin cancer?
The easiest way to help prevent skin cancer is to limit excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or other sources like tanning beds. This exposure is the biggest contributor to skin cancer, yet only one in seven Americans wear sunscreen daily.
How can I protect my skin while still enjoying the sun?
Try to limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest. While outside, wear protective clothing when you can, such as long-sleeved shirts and pants as well as hats with wide brims. And never forget sunscreen – use at least SPF 30 and reapply often.
Are tanning beds safe?
No. Research shows that using a tanning bed even once is associated with a 75 percent increased risk of melanoma, especially for those under age 35. Many people tan before vacations because they think it will decrease their risk of sunburn, but you can burn even with a tan. A tan – not just a sunburn – is an indication of DNA damage; the change in pigment is caused by the stimulation of repair mechanisms in the skin cells.
Are people with dark or tan skin still at risk?
Yes, people with dark and tan skin can still develop all three types of skin cancer, including those associated with UV exposure, although incidence rates are lower. The incidences of melanomas that are not associated with UV exposure are equal among all skin types. These melanomas typically arise in non-sun exposed areas like the palms, soles of the feet, mouth or genitals.
Examine moles
Use the ABCDE rule to examine moles for skin cancer:
• A = Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half
• B = Border: edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred
• C = Color: irregular color with differing shades of tan, brown or black
• D = Diameter: larger than the size of a pencil eraser (6 mm)
• E = Evolution: Existing moles changing shape, size or color
For more information on melanoma/skin cancer and prevention, visit the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.
