Skin cancer is largely preventable, and if caught early, it's usually curable. Since most skin cancers are linked to sun exposure, it's important to take precautions when spending time outdoors, no matter what time of year. Too much sun can increase your risk for skin cancer and lead to premature skin aging.
Apply sunscreen if you're planning to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes. Make sure to check your skin and see a dermatologist regularly.
The majority of sun exposure occurs before age 18 and skin cancer can take 20 years or more to develop. Whether your sun bathing days are behind you or you still spend time pursuing the perfect tan, you should be concerned about skin cancer.
Remember, the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can reflect off water, sand, concrete and snow, and can reach below the water's surface. Certain types of UV light penetrate fog and clouds, so it's possible to get sunburn even on overcast days.
If you're taking an antibiotic or other medications, ask your doctor or nurse if it may increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
The guidelines above apply to everyone, but certain individuals are at a higher risk for developing skin cancer and should be especially cautious with sun exposure.
If any of the descriptions below apply to you, see a dermatologist for a full-body examination once a year. Skin cancer risk is cumulative. The more risk factors you have — and the more sun damage over a lifetime — the higher your risk.
Skin cancer risk factors include:
An important part of skin cancer prevention and detection is learning to recognize skin changes that may become cancerous and alerting your doctor to any suspicious moles.
Knowing the "ABCs" or signs of melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer, can help you catch it early when it is most curable.
The ABCDE rule is a good guide to the common signs of melanoma. Notify your primary care doctor or dermatologist if you find spots that match the descriptions below. Some melanomas don't fit the ABCDE rule so be aware of changes on your skin.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer. In recent years, there has been a startling upturn in the number of young women who are diagnosed with this type of skin cancer, and the rise is blamed on the popularity of sunbathing and tanning salons.
Basal cell carcinoma is rarely fatal and does not normally spread, but it is still important to catch it in the early stages so that the surgical removal is as non-invasive as possible.
Basal cell carcinomas occur on sun-exposed areas and often look like pink bumps with the following features:
Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer after basal cell carcinoma. It is rarely deadly, but may spread or recur if not caught early.
Squamous cell carcinoma is often found on the head, hands, ears, back of neck and forearms — areas with more sun exposure. If any of the descriptions below apply to you, have it checked out.
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider.
