May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

By: Jessica Meyer

Do you know what the most common form of cancer is in the United States? Skin cancer. Do you know which type of cancer is the most preventable? That’s right, skin cancer. The month of May is also known as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With May being the start of warm weather for much of the United States, the need to protect your skin from the sun is more important than ever.

There are a few different types of skin cancer, the difference being in which type of skin cell the cancer occurs. Melanoma occurs in the melanocytes, or the cells that create skin pigment. This is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, because it is the quickest to progress and potentially spread and be fatal. Melanoma is also the least common form of skin cancer and can be treated with early detection. Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the middle layer of the epidermis. It is more common than melanoma, and can also be fatal if it isn’t diagnosed and treated. Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the lowest layer of the epidermis. It is the most common of the different types of skin cancer, but is also the least dangerous. This is because basal cell carcinoma rarely spreads or grows and therefore is least likely to be fatal. Basal cell carcinoma most commonly occurs on areas of the skin that have the most sun exposure. Although it is less common, it’s important to know that people of all skin types are susceptible to skin cancer. Below is a photo of basal cell carcinoma on the back of someone with a naturally medium/tan skin tone.

The best way to protect your self from skin cancer is to be educated. First of all, it is extremely important to wear sunscreen. I can’t say it enough, wear sunscreen! There are some great protective sunscreens you should wear year-round, but especially in the summer months when UVA and UVB rays are the strongest. It’s easy to forget, but crucial to protecting your skin. With the hot, Summer months here, more skin will be exposed to the sun. Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30, and reapply ever hour. Make sure to reapply after swimming and excessive sweating, too. Even in the winter, your face is exposed daily. The best way to protect your face and neck from sun damage (and premature aging!) is to make sure your day cream has SPF in it. A great trick to keep your hands looking young is to rub the remaining lotion/sunscreen on your fingertips onto the back of your hands.

You always have the option to stay in the shade during the hottest hours of the day, between 10 AM and 4 PM, when the UV rays are the strongest. It’s important to cover-up if you’re outside during these hours. And, please, please skip the tanning beds! These direct UV rays are the reason that younger generations are now contracting skin cancer more than ever before. There are a lot of great sunless tanners out there to try.

Most importantly, check any suspicious or changing moles. Use these guidelines to keep tabs. Also be sure to see your dermatologist yearly for a skin exam, especially if you have fair skin, hair, and eyes.