Skin cancer, the most prevalent cancer in the US, is estimated to develop in one in five Americans during their lifetime. Additionally, the prevalence of skin cancer is on the rise. Rates of melanoma (a particularly dangerous type of skin cancer) doubled between 1982 and 2011, and have risen by 30 percent between 2011 and 2021.
Skin cancer arises due to overexposure to UV radiation produced by the sun or other artificial sources. Fortunately, with the correct sun safety procedures it is possible to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
This article will cover essential sun safety tips and strategies for protecting the skin from the sun and will offer advice on how to check yourself for early signs of skin cancer.
UV radiation is a form of energy produced naturally by the sun. It can also be produced artificially by other sources, such as tanning beds.
UV radiation is split into three different types based on wavelength:
When UV rays are absorbed into the skin, they cause damage. In the short term, this damage could result in sunburn. However, repeated exposure to UV and a build-up of damage could result in skin cancer. The absorbance of UV rays by skin cells can cause DNA mutations. Repeated mutations to DNA can overwhelm the body’s DNA repair systems, leading to an increased risk of mutations that cause skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Fortunately, although skin cancer is one of the most common cancers, it is highly preventable with the use of effective sun protection.
Skin cancer can affect anyone; however, there are key risk factors that increase the possibility of developing skin cancer:
These risk factors are easy to self-assess to determine the personal risk of skin cancer. Sun safety measures can then be taken to reduce this risk, particularly if one or more of the above risk factors are present.
Wearing sunscreen is a key method of protection against UV damage. A broad-spectrum sunscreen that filters both UVA and UVB rays should be chosen - as both can penetrate the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. This sunscreen should be SPF 30 or higher. In addition to choosing the right sunscreen, it should also be applied correctly. Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow time for it to absorb into the skin. Experts recommend that you use at least 30 ml of sunscreen (slightly more than a shot glass) to ensure that all exposed skin is protected. Sunscreen does not last all day, so it is important to reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating.
Protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses, also offer protection from UV rays. Clothes with tightly woven fabric are the most effective for this. It is also possible to buy UV-protective clothing, which offers even more protection than normal clothing as it has been specifically designed to block UV rays. When considering clothing, it is important to remember to cover areas that are often forgotten, such as the back of the neck and behind the ears.
Though using sunscreen and protective clothing offers some protection against UV rays, these should be combined with avoiding exposure to direct sunlight. Staying in the shade is to be encouraged (shade can reduce UV radiation by 50-95 percent), especially when UV rays are at their strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. This could involve staying under trees or using an umbrella to create shade. It is also wise to plan any outdoor activities for times of the day when the UV rays are less strong, such as early morning or late afternoon.
As with all cancers, early detection is key to successful treatment. A common sign of skin cancer is a change to your skin, making it very important to regularly self-examine for changes such as new or altered moles, lesions, growths, or sores that do not heal. A self-examination requires the use of a full-length mirror to examine your whole body. This should include areas that are not regularly exposed to the sun, such as the soles of your feet and areas that you might forget about, such as your scalp, your fingernails, and between your toes.
A good tool for identifying potentially cancerous changes to moles is the ABCDEs of melanoma:
If during a self-examination a suspicious change is identified, then a professional examination by a dermatologist is essential. This is particularly important if you have a history of skin cancer. In addition, if you are at an increased risk of skin cancer then it is advised that you have annual professional screenings to detect skin cancer as early as possible. This improves the chances of successful treatment.
Although cloud cover can reduce UV radiation by as little as 10 percent, 90 percent of the UV rays can penetrate the clouds and still cause skin damage. Therefore, regardless of the weather, sunscreen should be applied every day. This is also important to decrease cumulative exposure and damage from UV rays.
Despite the fact that caucasian people are more likely to develop skin cancer, people with darker skin tones can still develop the disease. While melanin in the skin does offer some protection, it is still important for people of color to use protective measures such as sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade. The myth that dark skin doesn’t need sun protection is harmful as it can result in a delayed diagnosis in people of color, which makes skin cancer harder to treat.
In response to UV damage, the skin cells produce melanin in an attempt to prevent further damage; this melanin is what causes the tan. Therefore, any level of tan is a sign that the skin is responding to damage - there is no such thing as a “safe tan”. Repeated tanning is repeated exposure to UV damage, which increases the chances of skin cancer. Intentional tanning should be avoided - including sun beds, which are as dangerous as natural UV rays from the sun - and sun protection should always be used.
Although skin cancer is a serious health concern, practicing effective sun safety minimizes repeated exposure to UV radiation and so reduces the risk of developing this cancer. By using broad-spectrum sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher every day (and reapplying every 2 hours), wearing protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding peak sun hours, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of skin cancer. In addition, regularly monitoring your skin for suspicious changes (including assessing the ABCDEs of melanoma) and booking annual professional screenings are crucial for the early detection of skin cancer, improving the chances of successful treatment. Taking these proactive steps to protect your skin and using these strategies for early detection can make a significant contribution to reducing the impact of skin cancer and maintaining healthy skin for years to come.
If you want to be proactive about your health, why not book an Ezra full-body MRI? Our annual scan catches potential cancer earlier, using AI through the screening process to make it more efficient, affordable, and faster.
