Spring has sprung. and soon those long, hot days of summer will be upon us. We are all ready to enjoy the warmer, days the sun has in store for us, so this is the perfect time to reflect on the potential hazards that can come with all of that UV exposure.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, so let’s review some important skin cancer stats.

THE FACTS:

As a group, skin cancers are the most common cancers of humans. Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer. The overall lifetime risk of melanoma is 1:50, but it represents the most common cancer in women aged 25-29 and the second most common cancer in women 30-34.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Melanoma can affect ANYONE, but there are certain people who are at greater risk.

1. Caucasians have a higher risk than other races
2. If you have >50 moles, or large/atypical moles, you are at higher risk.
3. Caucasians with light skin, freckles, red or blond hair, and those with blue or green eyes are at higher risk.
4. Your risk is increased if you have had a previous melanoma, other skin cancers (basal cell, squamous cell) or other cancers such as breast or thyroid cancer.
5. You have an increased risk if you have a family history of melanoma.
6. Your risk is increased if you have a history of a sunburn, or if you visited a tanning bed prior age 30.

PREVENTION:

Now that we know more about skin cancer and melanoma, the best strategy is to prevent the skin damagebefore it occurs. Here are some ways we can prevent skin cancer:

1. Seek shade and avoid sunburns. It is most important to look for shade between l0am and 2pm when the suns rays are the strongest.
2. Avoid sun lamps and tanning beds- as we said before, this is linked to an increased risk of melanoma especially if used before age 30.
3. Wear hats with a 2-3 inch brim to protect your face, ears, and neck. Plain baseball caps leave your neck and ears exposed and straw hats offer less protection than those made with a tightly woven fabric. If possible, wear long sleeves and pants for added protection.
4. Don’t forget the sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection to keep your eyes safe.
5. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Use at least a palmful to cover arms, legs, face, and neck. Use a lip balm with sunscreen as well. Be sure to apply 30 minutes prior to going out in the sun and reapply every 2 hours. Remember, sunscreen acts as a filter and does not give 100% protection. If you stay out in the sun for many hours in a day you can still get burned.
6. Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun and can increase your chances of sunburn.

EARLY DETECTION:

Many skin cancers can be cured if found early, so surveillance and early detection are key. If you are in one of the high-risk groups, seeing a dermatologist yearly for a full body skin check is a good idea. You can do your own surveillance at home in between visits by following these tips:

1. Look for any new growths or sores that do not heal.
2. Follow the “ABCDE ‘s of skin cancer when evaluating moles:
   • Asymmetry–  ½ of a mole does not match the other half
   • Border– the edges of the mole are ragged, notched or blurred
   • Color– the color of the mole is mottled or uneven
   • Diameter– the size of the mole is unusually large, greater than the size of the tip of a pencil eraser (6mm)
   • Evolving– a mole is changing in size, shape or color, or if a mole is new to you.

If you note any of these changes, make an appointment to see your doctor or dermatologist for further evaluation. With a little diligence, you can still enjoy the energizing summer sun and keep your skin safe at the same time!