Skin Cancer: Understanding What it is and How to Prevent it
Basal Cell Carcinoma. The most common type of skin cancer.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. In fact, current estimates show that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s take this opportunity to discuss what skin cancer is, including the most common types, and preventive measures you can take to reduce your risk.
3 Common Types of Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. More than 4 million cases are diagnosed each year in the U.S alone. This type of skin cancer begins in the basal cells. A basal cell is a type of cell within the skin that produces new skin cells when the old ones die. This form of skin cancer is thought to be caused by long-term exposure to UV radiation from sunlight.
Often times, Basal Cell Carcinoma will appear as a slightly transparent bump on the skin. This type of cancer is found in areas often exposed to sun. For example, the head or neck.
Most Basal Cell Carcinomas grow slowly, making it easier to diagnose them early. When caught early, Basal Cell Carcinoma it is often curable.
Symptoms of Basal Cell Carcinoma
A reddish patch or irritated area on the skin. This may be found on the face, shoulder, arm, or leg. The lesion may crust, hurt, or itch.
An open sore that does not heal. This sore may bleed, ooze, or crust.
A bump or nodule that appears shiny.
A small pink growth with a slightly raised rolled edge with a crusted indentation in the center. It may develop tiny surface blood vessels over time.
A soar-like area that may be white, yellow, or a waxy color.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous Cell Carcinoma is another common form of skin cancer. It develops in squamous cells, which make up the middle and outer layers of the skin. This form of skin cancer is generally not life-threatening, though it can be aggressive. Like Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma is thought to be caused by prolonged exposure to UV radiation from sunlight.
Symptoms of Squamous Cell Carcinoma
A flat sore with a scaly crust
A new sore or raised area on an old scar or ulcer
A red sore or rough patch inside your mouth
A firm red nodule
A red patch that is raised or wart-like sore on or around the anus or genitals
Melanoma
Melanoma is a more serious form of skin cancer that begins in the cells known as melanocytes. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer among men, and the sixth most common cancer among women. Melanoma accounts for about 1% of all skin cancers diagnosed in the United States, but it causes most of the skin cancer deaths. Melanoma can spread to other organs rapidly if it isn't diagnosed and treated at an early stage.
While it is still unclear what causes Melanoma, we do know family history and exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight or tanning beds increases your risk of developing this form of cancer. If a first degree relative (sibling or parent) has a history of melanoma, your chances of developing this type of cancer are very high.
Symptoms of Melanoma - ABCDE’s of Melanoma
Asymmetry: Moles that are not the same shape on both sides
Border irregularity: Ragged or blurred edges
Color: Different shades of tan, brown, or black
Diameter: Moles larger than 1/4 inch
Evolving: Changes over time
Skin Cancer Prevention
Long-term exposure to UV rays are harmful to your skin, and UV rays aren’t just present when the sun is shining. They can penetrate clouds and glass as well as bounce off water, snow, and sand.
For this reason, it's best practice to seek out shade, especially between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is at its highest. Additionally, be sure to cover up with the proper clothing. This includes having a broad-brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
It’s important to avoid tanning, including tanning beds. Tanning not only damages your skin cells and speeds up your skin's aging, but it is linked to skin cancer.
It's also important to always wear sunscreen for skin protection. In fact, according to the American Cancer Society, regularly applying sunscreen can reduce your risk of skin cancer, including Basal and Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. Skin cancers are often caused by mutations in the DNA of skin cells. These mutations are generally caused by exposure to UV rays. Wearing sunscreen decreases the amount of UV damage from sun exposure.
Seek Out a Board-Certified Dermatologist for Yearly Checks
Aside from watching your own skin for changes, it's important that you visit a board-certified dermatologist for yearly skin checks. A dermatologist will diagnose and treat skin cancer early. Yearly skin checks also help identify moles or lesions to monitor for progression to skin cancer.
Being proactive about your health is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Schedule your annual skin cancer screening now!