May is Skin cancer awareness month

As summer and sunshine approaches, it is important to understand the dark side of the sun. May is skin cancer awareness month and skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common of all cancer types. Did you know skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? Fortunately, though it is one of the most common cancers, it is also one of the most preventable. 

Since it is skin cancer awareness month, let's speak up about the dangers of the sun, share the facts to educate others, and spread the word. Starting with melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, which grows very quickly and can become life threatening by spreading to other parts of the body. Just 5 sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. The good news is that when melanoma is detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent. The most important warning sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin or a spot that is changing in size, shape, or color.

Nonmelanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are more common than melanoma and typically very treatable. Nonmelanoma skin cancers are often found in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and arms, but they can occur elsewhere. Treatment depends on the type of skin cancer, but the earlier the cancer is detected, the better. Usually surgery is required to remove the cancer cells. 

In terms of looking for signs and symptoms of basal cell carcinomas, these typically appear flat, firm, pale or yellow in color that look similar to a scar. They can also appear as small, pink or red, translucent, shiny, pearly papules. Basal cell carcinomas sometimes even resemble a small oozing papule that keeps coming back after being scratched or picked at. Basal cells begin by appearing in the top layer of the skin called the epidermis and basal cells specifically, are found in the lower part of the epidermis. Squamous cell cancers differ from basal cells appearing in the upper part of the epidermis. These typically appear as scaly patches that are typically rough in texture. These lesions will often crust over and bleed. 

Factors that increase your skin cancer risk include indoor tanning, sunburns, type of skin, unprotected sun exposure, atypical moles, and red hair. Not only is it important to be aware of skin cancer protection, but an estimated 90 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun. Even though summer is approaching and we are looking forward to warmer weather, seeking shade when possible, daily use of broad spectrum sunscreen, annual skin checks with your dermatologist, as well as monthly self exams are helpful in decreasing your skin cancer risk.