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Skin Cancer Awareness
Written By: Lindsey D. Koach, Highlands Dermatology | Issue: May 2024
A handful of wise decisions and a wealth of common sense can ensure that your skin remains healthy and beautiful.
Lindsey D. Koach
Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer in the United States, as well as one of the most preventable. The month of May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to start thinking about how we can protect ourselves from the sun this upcoming year.
Many of the patients we see grew up in the era of “baby oil and iodine,” when having a deep tan was fashionable and attractive. Unfortunately, lack of sun protection increases the risk of skin cancers with roughly 5.4 million basal and squamous cell carcinomas being diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Melanoma is less common, but also the most aggressive skin cancer and the chances of developing this type increases with factors such as a history of tanning bed use, having light colored hair or fair skin, and a history of frequent or excessive sun exposure. Luckily, most skin cancers are easily treatable through simple excisional surgery or other routine therapies.
Preventative measures you can take against these cancers include decreasing sun exposure between the hours of 10:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M., when the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are the strongest and applying broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen in strengths of SPF 30 or higher, which should be reapplied every two hours. Additionally, many clothing companies make UPF-rated clothing that protects against UVA and UVB light, which is a great option for those who cannot keep up with sunscreen reapplication.
Now, many people wonder, when is the best age to start skin cancer screenings? It’s recommended that individuals begin having skin cancer screenings around age 20, especially if you live in a climate with lots of sun exposure. So, for those of us who grew up in the days of burning mixed CDs and flip phones, you are probably overdue for your first screening!
by Lindsey D. Koach,
Highlands Dermatology
