Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (according to the Center for Disease Control). The three major types of skin cancer are the highly curable basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas and the more serious malignant melanoma.

The sun and tanning beds emit dangerous ultraviolet (UV) radiation that is linked to skin cancer. The environmental factor that you can control is that exposure to any ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun exposure adds up day after day whenever you doing anything outdoors. UV rays can be harmful to your eyes as well as to your skin.

Who is at risk for skin cancer?
• Light skin color, hair color, or eye color.
• Those with a family history or personal history of skin cancer.
• People who spend long periods of time in the sun.
• Childhood and adolescent blistering sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.
• Someone who uses tanning beds or sunlamps.
• A person with many moles or spots on the skin, or a few moles of abnormal shape.

What can I do to prevent skin cancer?
• Sun-screen is highly effective in preventing skin cancer. Choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. SPF describes the length of time a product will protect your skin if you apply the sunscreen correctly. (Note: sunscreen is not recommended for children less than six months old, keep them in the shade and protect them with clothing.) Cancer.org recommends that you use a broad spectrum product that blocks UVB and UVA light. The American Cancer Society recommends the use of an SPF of at least 15 and to reapply it frequently when in the sun. Water-resistant sunscreen is important if you are expect to be in the water.

• Choose clothes to protect as much skin as possible. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Choosing a hat that shades your face, neck and ears will give you the best protection.

• Limit your exposure to sun. Avoid the sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the UV rays are the strongest.

• Apply a lip balm that contains sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect your lips fro sunburn.

• Avoid the use of tanning beds. Tanning beds release high levels of UV radiation which can increase your risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. In addition tanning beds can also burn your skin and eyes and damage your immune system.

• Get a baseline skin cancer examination from a primary care physician or dermatologist and then perform careful skin self-examinations once a month. Make sure to report any changes.

• Wear sunglasses to help protect your eyes. Be sure your sunglasses have UVA and UVB protections, which should filter at least 80% of the sun’s rays. UV rays can lead to cataracts.

The ABCD’s of Melanoma:

A sudden or continuous change in the appearance of a mole is a sign that you should see your doctor. The ABCD rule can help you remember the signs of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Melanoma accounts fpr 5% of all skin cancers and 71% of all skin cancer deaths.

A – for Asymmetry
One half is different than the other half.

B – for Border Irregularity
The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred.

C – for Color
The color is uneven. Shades of brown, tan and black are present.

D – for Border Irregularity
Diameter is greater than 6 millimeters.

Other warning signs:
• Appearance of a new bump or nodule
• Color spreads into surrounding skin
• Redness or swelling beyond the mole
• Pain
• Tenderness
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Oozing
• Scaly appearance