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Melanoma, as shown here, is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 25 to 30. iStockphoto/ThinkstockDo you recognize the signs of skin cancer, or believe it’s not an issue? Do you assume that famous actors and actresses, with their golden tans, ignore the warning signs of skin cancer? What about sun lovers and models? Do you think they pay attention to the risks of skin cancer?
Have you caught the latest soap opera on TV?
It's called The Young and the Wrinkled. It follows former sunbathers who used to enhance their summer tans with tanning beds during winter.
In truth, they’d be lucky if wrinkles were their worst health issue. While they may have thought they were looking healthy with that perfect tan, the reality is that they were slowly but surely damaging their skin over time.
Then there are the weekend and holiday sunbathers. They don’t get a free pass — far from it. Studies show that intense, occasional exposure to UV rays is more strongly linked to melanoma later in life than consistent, shorter sun exposure.
Regardless of the exposure, here’s the hard truth: Sun-related skin cancer is increasing. The American Cancer Society predicted that in 2003, over 1 million Americans would be diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancers (squamous and basal cell carcinomas), while another 54,200 would develop melanoma, the most severe and potentially fatal type of skin cancer.
Unfortunately, melanoma is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women between the ages of 25 and 30. But it doesn’t discriminate — anyone can be affected. That’s why it’s vital to understand your risk. With that in mind, your chances of developing melanoma are higher if:
- A close family member has had malignant melanoma.
- You have light skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or light-colored eyes.
- You burn easily and rarely tan. People with fair skin are 12 times more likely to develop melanoma than those with darker skin.
- You had sunburns during childhood.
- You have a weakened immune system or take medication to prevent organ rejection.
Turn to the next page to discover the signs of skin cancer, particularly if you're at higher risk.
Recognizing the Signs of Skin Cancer
Look out for a firm red bump, a bloody or scabby lump, or a red patch that feels rough, dry, or scaly. MytourMelanoma frequently appears in an existing mole of any size. If you notice a mole that’s asymmetrical, has uneven edges, changes color, or grows larger than five millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), it’s time to see your doctor. While not every mole change signals melanoma, it’s crucial to have any alterations checked as early as possible.
If a mole begins to bleed, hurt, or develop sores, it’s usually a sign that it may have turned into melanoma.
It's also crucial to note that the risk of melanoma increases with age. Ensure your healthcare provider performs a comprehensive skin check at least once a year, including your ears and scalp. If you're very fair-skinned, a biannual exam may be necessary. Your doctor can help you determine the best schedule for this.
If you spot a new lump or mark on your skin, a sore that won’t heal, or any changes in a mole, it could be a sign of skin cancer. While it doesn’t always indicate cancer, it’s essential to consult a doctor to rule out basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or malignant melanoma.
Reducing Your Risk of Skin Cancer
To lower your chances of developing skin cancer, here are some sensible recommendations to follow:
- Check with your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of your medications or supplements increase your sun sensitivity. Some antibiotics (e.g., cipro, floxin), sulfa-based drugs (e.g., bactrim), and blood pressure meds (like beta blockers and diuretics, especially thiazides such as HCTZ) can increase your vulnerability. Even herbal remedies like St. John's Wort can heighten your chances of a severe sunburn.
- Avoid sun exposure, if possible, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and make sure it offers protection from both UV-A and UV-B rays. Apply it at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply it as directed on the bottle. You’ll typically need at least an ounce to cover your body properly.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shield your face and neck from the sun. If you’re dealing with thinning hair, make sure to cover your scalp as well.
- Opt for sunglasses that block 100% of UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Wear clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label. It can reduce UV exposure by up to 15 times. For stylish options, check out Solarweave and Solumbra designs. For clothes without UPF, you can use laundry detergents (like Rit Whitener and Brighteners or Sunguard) with optical brighteners to help protect against UV rays. Keep in mind that darker colors absorb more UV than lighter ones, and cotton offers minimal protection.
- Never allow your children to get sunburned. Apply sunscreen when they go outside (special formulations are available for children under 6). Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Remember, children who experience sunburns may face long-term skin damage.
- Lastly, it's important to understand that tanning salons can cause serious skin harm. My top advice is to prioritize your health over your appearance and avoid them entirely.
