Preventing Skin Cancer

About half of all people now living will get skin cancer sometime in their life. Anyone can get skin cancer, but the risk is greatest for people with fair skin that freckles easily and who have blonde or red hair and blue or light colored eyes.

The primary cause of skin cancer is excessive sun exposure. Sun lamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. Getting some exposure to the direct sun light, however, is healthy. Aim for at least 20-30 minutes each day. Sun light makes vitamin D in the skin and adequate vitamin D is essential for bone heath and may decrease the risk for prostate cancer. Sun is only a problem if exposure is excessive.

Risk factors for skin cancer:

• Fair skin
• Age 50 or older, although the damage from excess sun exposure starts in childhood and accumulates through out life
• Living in the South where the sun is more intense
• Regularly outside during the midday sun (10 am to 4 pm) when the sun exposure is most intense
• Skin is usually unprotected when exposed to the sun
• Family history of melanoma
• History of severe sunburn in childhood
• Have many moles and freckles

Strategies for preventing skin caner are fairly clear.

• Limit exposure of the skin to intense, midday sun (10 am to 4 pm)
• When in bright sun wear protective clothing (hat, long sleeves) and wear sun block (SPF 15-30). Pay special attention to your head, a bald spot, top of your ears, nose, hands, and arms. You may need to reapply sunscreen occasionally if it washes off or wears off with activity or swimming.
• Be aware of the signs of skin cancer so if it develops you can spot it early and get it treated.
• If high risk, check your skin surfaces monthly and ask your doctor to look over your skin for possible development of skin cancers or suspicious lesions yearly.
• There is some preliminary evidence that avoiding a high fat diet may be beneficial in reducing the risk for skin cancer. One study by the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) showed that those on a low fat diet cut the risk of skin cancer by two-thirds in a two year clinical trial compared to people on a typical, high fat diet. Cutting animal or saturated fats is also protective to the heart and circulation. AICR recommends a diet high in fruits and vegetables, providing a rich assortment of antioxidants, may also be protective against skin cancer.

Detecting skin cancer. The American Institute for Cancer Research lists these warning signs for detecting skin cancer. Should you find such lesions on your skin, have your doctor check it out. Early detection and treatment is important! The cure rate for skin cancer is nearly 100% if found and treated early.

Skin cancer warning signs:

• A new growth or a sore that doesn't heal in two weeks.
• A smooth shiny, pale, or waxy lump.
• A firm red lump, sometimes with bleeding or a crusty surface.
• A flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly.
• A mole that has one half shaped differently from the other half.
• A growth with an irregular border and/or containing colors that can include black, tan, blue, white, or red.
• A growth that is larger than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser).

Examples of skin cancer:

Site Powered by Wellsource

Health content in this article is general health information from evidence based research for healthy populations. Its purpose is not to treat disease or take the place of advice by your doctor but to promote healthy lifestyles. Persons with health problems should contact their physician for specific guidance.  Written by Don Hall, DrPH, CHES. Updated June 12, 2003 DRH, LA.