Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 people being diagnosed by age 70. Skin cancer cases account for more than the combination of breast, lung, prostate and colorectal. Whether you have hereditary risk factors or not, it’s important to protect yourself when you are exposed to the sun.
How Does Skin Cancer Develop?
Skin cancer occurs when the epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, is damaged, causing abnormal skin cells to grow and over time form malignant tumors. The most common form of skin cancer is called basal cell carcinoma, which begins in the basal cells on the bottom layer of the skin. The other two main types of skin cancer include squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, both of which are more dangerous than basal cell carcinoma, and fortunately less prevalent.
If left untreated, skin cancer can spread to other parts of the body. However, when caught early, this kind of cancer can often be removed, and no other treatment is necessary. In many cases, it can be caught in the precancerous stage before it has a chance to spread.
What Are Your Skin Cancer Risk Factors?
The three main forms of skin cancer are most often caused by UV radiation from too much sun exposure or the use of tanning beds or sun lamps. A popular myth is that having a “base tan” can protect you from sunburn and lower your risk of skin cancer. However, this is not true.
Genetics also play a role; having certain physical characteristics can also put you at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. These include having:
- A lighter skin tone
- Skin that is sensitive to the sun and burns or freckles easily
- Blue or green eyes
- Blond or red hair
- A large number of moles
- A weakened immune system from medical treatments or certain health conditions
- A personal or family history of skin cancer
You are also at greater risk as you get older. And people who smoke are more likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer.
How to Protect Yourself
Whether you have additional risk factors or not, it’s essential to take steps to protect your skin. The most important precaution everyone can take is to use sun protection when outdoors — and not just on sunny summer days. Harmful UV rays from the sun can affect your skin any time of year, even on cloudy days. If the UV index, which gives the strength of ultra-violet rays from the sun, is 3 or higher, you should take additional steps to protect yourself. These include:
- Applying sunscreen with an SPF of 35 or higher to exposed skin before going outdoors. Remember to reapply if you are in the sun for more than two hours or if you go swimming or get sweaty.
- Staying in the shade as much as possible.
- Wearing protective clothing, including long-sleeve shirts, long pants and hats that shade your face, ears and neck. Tightly woven fabric, like canvas, is best for sun protection.
- Wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes, as well as the skin around your eyes, from UV rays.
Another important way to protect yourself from developing skin cancer is to avoid indoor tanning. Using tanning beds and other forms of indoor tanning are not safer than being in the sun. In fact, they might actually be even more dangerous than direct sun exposure. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one indoor tanning session puts you at a 75% higher risk of developing melanoma before age 35.
Early Detection
When skin cancer is caught in early stages, it can often be eliminated before it has a chance to spread to other areas of the body. If you notice any unusual moles or other abnormal areas on your skin, contact your doctor or dermatologist.
More to Read
- Skin Cancer on Your Face: How to Deal with It
- Everything You Need to Know About Skin Cancer Prevention
- Protect Your Skin From The Sun With These 8 Easy Tips
- 5 Reasons Why You Need a Primary Care Provider
Medically reviewed by Zaineb Hassan Makhzoumi, MD, MPH, FAAD
The University of Maryland Medical System is the Official Medical Team of the Terps.
