Summer has arrived, bringing with it the joy of longer days, outdoor activities, and backyard gatherings. While being outside is great for your mental and physical health, it is important to remember that overexposure to the sun without proper protection significantly increases skin cancer risks.
As the most common form of cancer in the U.S., skin cancer is often preventable through early detection and sun-safe habits. The two most prevalent types, typically found on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and arms, include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): Appearing as a shiny or translucent bump with visible blood vessels, or a flat pink patch that may look like eczema. BCC grows slowly and almost never spreads to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Often presenting as a hard and scaly red bump with rough edges. SCC can spread to lymph nodes or other organs if not addressed early.
Melanoma remains the most serious type of skin cancer due to its ability to spread to other organs. It is crucial to monitor your skin for spots that appear asymmetrical with irregular borders, uneven colors or change over time. When identified early, melanomas are highly curable.
To maximize skin cancer prevention, apply SPF 30 or higher each day and reapply every two hours while outside. Prioritize sun-protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses, and try to find shade during peak UV intensity between 10 AM and 4 PM. Early protection is vital as childhood sunburns and sun exposure are closely linked to future risk, protect infants from direct sunlight and teach children sun-safe habits early.
We hope you enjoy your summer and remember your best defense is prevention and early detection.
– Sabina Lalani, D.O.
