Skin Cancer

Anyone can get skin cancer, even those who have skin of color. Most people who get skin cancer, however, have lighter skin. People who are more likely to get skin cancer:

• Excessive time spent in the sun
• Use tanning beds or sun lamps
• Resided in an area that gets intense sunlight, such as Florida, the Caribbean, or northern Australia.

Any length of exposure, even if it occurred years ago or was short, increases your risk.

There are also some general characteristics which may increase a person’s risk for getting skin cancer, which include:

• A person’s skin type and the moles on one’s skin
• Family history of skin cancer
• Medical history
• Exposure to chemicals
• Tobacco

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change to your skin. And the most common change is something growing on your skin. This growth can appear on the skin in many ways.

To diagnose skin cancer, a dermatologist looks at the skin. A dermatologist will carefully examine growths, moles, and dry patches.

To get a better look, a dermatologist may use a device called a dermatoscope. The device shines light on the skin. It magnifies the skin. This helps the dermatologist to see pigment and structures in the skin.

If a dermatologist finds something that looks like skin cancer, the dermatologist will take a sample of all or part of the suspicious skin. and the sampled skin will be sent to a lab where it can be examined under a microscope. A biopsy should not cause anxiety. The discomfort and risks are minimal.

SPF means “Sun Protection Factor.” It is a measure of how well the sunscreen protects you from harmful UV rays from the sun. Sunscreen must be re-applied every two to three hours, even if it has a high SPF number. Adults and children should always wear at least SPF 15.

To lower the chance of skin cancer, adults and children should always wear at least SPF 15.

Recent research says that yes, tanning beds can cause cancer. The World Health Organization strongly urges all people to avoid using tanning beds, especially those under the age of 18.

There are different types of skin cancer. Each type is named after which type of cell it begins in. The three most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.

Only a doctor can tell if you have skin cancer. Be sure to talk to your doctor if you notice any unusual moles, bumps, or red patches, or if you notice a change in any moles you already have. It may be a good idea to perform a monthly self skin check. Talk to your doctor if you notice any new moles, bumps or rough patches that are unusual, or if you notice a change in any you already had. Things to look for include: changes in any moles, bumps, or rough patches, moles with a dark color (blue, black, purple, green, etc), moles that are not the same color or shade throughout, moles with irregular/wavy borders, moles that are asymmetrical (one side looks different than the other side), moles that are bigger around than the eraser on the top of a pencil, or spots that itch or bleed.

If a family member had skin cancer, you may have a higher chance of getting it. Some things, such as skin type, environment, and lifestyle are similar among family members.

Yes. Studies show that people who have one skin cancer are at greater risk of developing another skin cancer. Perform regular skin self- examinations, and protect your skin every day. Be sure to keep all appointments with your dermatologist, and make an immediate appointment if you notice anything changing, itching, or bleeding on your skin.

Yes. People of all skin colors can get BCC, although it is much more common in light skinned people.

Daily sun protection is an important part of skin cancer prevention. The following are some of The Skin Cancer Foundation’s list of prevention tips:

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Do not let your skin burn.
• Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher (most dermatologist recommend 30 or higher with zinc) every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher (again, most dermatologist recommend a higher SPF, of 50 or higher if planning on being outside).
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons, or 1 shot glass) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

Yes. Studies show that people who have one skin cancer are at greater risk of developing another skin cancer. Perform regular skin self- examinations, and protect your skin every day. Be sure to keep all appointments with your dermatologist, and make an immediate appointment if you notice anything changing. itching, or bleeding on your skin.

Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It can take many shapes and appearances. Melanoma is usually a dark color like brown, blue, or black. Other signs to look for include: irregular borders, asymmetry (one half looks different than the other half), and size – melanomas are usually large (bigger than a pencil eraser)