1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, which makes skin cancer the most common cancer in the U.S.
There are many types of skin cancer but Basal Cell, Squamous Cell and Melanoma are the most common. The other types are extremely rare and therefore I won’t discuss them.
80% of skin cancers are Basal Cell. Basal Cell usually develops in areas of frequent sun exposure and it rarely metastasizes or spreads. However, if you ignore it for years it could grow large enough to cause a problem.
Squamous Cell cancers comprise about 18% of skin cancers. Squamous cell cancer also develops in sun-exposed areas and is more likely to grow into the deeper tissues under the skin, than Basal Cell. It rarely metastasizes but again can cause issues if not treated.
Melanoma is the rarest but most deadly of the 3 skin cancers. If not caught early Melanoma can spread throughout the body. Melanoma can also be found in areas of the body not exposed to sunlight, such as the genital area, eyes and even more rarely inside your organs, such as the brain, lungs etc.
Over the past 30 years women have had a greater increase in Basal Cell and Squamous Cell cancers than men, probably because women are more likely to use tanning beds and lay in the sun. Men are still diagnosed with skin cancer more frequently which has been attributed to participation in outdoor sports and working outside.
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of their skin color and it is harder to detect in those of color because most cancers are darker in color and are seen easier on lighter skin.
This is why it is SO IMPORTANT to have regular exams by a dermatologist and gynecologist. If you have risk factors for skin cancer you should see a dermatologist every year or more often. Risk factors include, tanning bed usage, previous skin cancer, outdoor job, fair skin, blond or red hair or light eye color. Everyone, no matter what color skin they have, needs to protect themselves from the harmful UVA and UVB rays.
So what can we do?
- Limit exposure to natural and artificial ultraviolet light. (tanning beds)
- Use at least SPF 30 sunscreen and mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide are the best because they form a barrier on your skin.
- The FDA released a statement in February stating that of 16 sunscreens on the market only zinc and titanium oxide are “generally safe and effective.” Two others, PABA and trolamine salicylate, have safety issues and should not be used. The other 12 need to be further evaluated.
You can read the entire statement here if you desire.
Helpful links:
www.skincancer.org
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/index.htm