Warm, sunny weather is coming! After an extended “stay-at-home” period due to present public health measures, we are eager to enjoy the outdoors. As we look forward to enjoying the sun, it’s important to remember that sun exposure increases our risk of developing skin cancer. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it would be appropriate to shine some light on why and how skin cancer forms.
The Skin is the Largest Organ in Our Bodies
The skin forms a protective barrier between internal organs and the environment, and helps regulate body temperature. Skin cancers originate in the outermost layer, the epidermis. They’re largely the result of damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight.
Major Types of Skin Cancer
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Basal Cell Carcinoma
- Melanoma
Squamous cells reside near the surface of the epidermis, serving principally as a barrier. Beneath them, basal cells produce new cells that replace old skin.
Melanocytes produce melanin, the pigment that protects deeper layers from UV damage.
Ten Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
- Fair Skin. Having blond or red hair, blue or green eyes, or a propensity to freckle or sunburn easily puts you at higher risk. Lighter skin produces less melanin; less melanin equals less protection against UV rays.
- Excessive Sun Exposure in the absence of protective clothing, sunscreens or sunblocks. Tanning beds and lamps expose you to as much – if not more – UV radiation as sunlight. Tanning is simply evidence of UV injury to your skin!
- A History of Sunburns. A blistering sunburn during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer as an adult.
- Sunny and High-Altitude Climates. Sunlight is stronger in warmer regions and in areas at higher elevation. The stronger the sunlight, the higher the exposure to harmful UV rays.
- Moles. Having numerous moles, irregularly-shaped, and/or large ones places you at higher risk. Monitor them for any unusual changes.
- Precancerous Skin Lesions (e.g., actinic keratosis)
- Family or Personal History. Skin cancer in your parents or siblings increase your risk. And if you had it before, you’re more likely to develop it again!
- Compromised Immunity, for example, immunosuppressive therapies following organ transplants or cancer treatments.
- Exposure to Radiation, as in the treatment of certain skin conditions, including eczema.
- Older age. As we get older, changes in our skin increase its vulnerability to UV radiation injury.
Skin Cancer Can Occur in Anyone
Protect yourself by limiting or avoiding exposure to UV radiation. If you notice a mole is suddenly changing, or a new skin growth, check in with your physician or dermatologist. A timely consultation can prevent a difficult problem down the line. Have fun in the sun, but protect yourself and your loved ones!
Please check our upcoming posts for more on sun protection and sunblock recommendations.
For more information on skin cancer risk factors, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm