ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: APRIL 2023
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and it is one the most preventable cancers. Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin color. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer during their lifetime. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month – a time when dermatologists and across the country and media unite with a common goal of sharing facts about the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. Melanoma Monday – the first Monday of the month – launches the American Academy of Dermatology’s (AAD) month-long campaign to bring public awareness to skin cancer and its prevention.
HERE ARE 5 FACTS ABOUT SKIN CANCER:
1. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer. Nearly 3.6 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. It is the most common skin cancer in people of color, including black people. An estimated 1.8 million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
3. An estimated 186,680 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2023. The majority of melanomas are caused by the sun. 70-80% appear as a new lesion on normal skin and the remainder arise from a pre-existing mole. Melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29.
4. Evidence from several studies has shown that exposure to indoor tanning beds will increase the risk of skin cancer development.
5. There are 4 major types of malignant melanoma. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM) is the most common type of melanoma found in people of color, including black people. It can occur anywhere on the skin as a black or brown spot but are most common in areas that are hard to see like the soles of the feet or on the palms and under the nails. Interestingly, Bob Marley was diagnosed with ALM when he was 36. He attributed a dark spot that occurred under his toenail to a soccer injury. But it was not an injury, it was a melanoma that tragically took his life.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. The American Academy of dermatology recommends that everyone:
1. Seek shade especially when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm. Wear protective clothing (UPF protection) including long sleeves, wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.
2. Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher to all exposed skin everyday. Look for this information on the sunscreen label.
3. Apply one ounce (a shot glass) of sunscreen to exposed areas of arms, legs, chest and back at least 15- 30 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early. If you notice any new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, see a board certified dermatologist.
Debunking the 10 Most Common Skin Cancer Myths
1.) MYTH: Melanoma is rare and only affects light skinned and/or older people.
FACT: Nearly 1.3 million Americans are living with melanoma. Anyone at any age or with any skin type can be affected by melanoma. In fact, Melanoma is the second most common form of skin cancer in black people and in females aged 15-29.
2.) MYTH: Melanoma can only present on the skin.
FACT: There are rare subtypes of melanoma including mucosal, ocular.
3.) MYTH: If I avoid the sun I won’t get melanoma.
FACT: Melanoma can occur from natural ultraviolet light (UVL) or sun exposure in addition to other reasons including exposure to artificial light sources like tanning beds and genetic predisposition.
4.) MYTH:A base tan can help protect me from burning.
FACT: A base tan does not protect you from a burn and can contribute to accumulative sun damage.
5.) MYTH: Small spots on my skin are nothing to worry about.
FACT: Melanoma is often associated with large, irregular spots, but can present as any new mole or change in your skin.
6.) MYTH:I need to get a lot of sun exposure to get enough vitamin D.
FACT: Because ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology does not recommend getting vitamin D from sun exposure or indoor tanning. A better alternative is getting vitamin D from a healthy diet that includes foods naturally rich in or fortified with vitamin D or vitamin D supplements.
7.) MYTH: Sunscreens contain harmful chemicals.
FACT: Sunscreen products are regulated by the FDA as over-the-counter drugs and considered safe and effective. Consider mineral or chemical free sunscreens if you have sensitive skin.
8.) MYTH: I don’t need to wear sunscreen in the winter or on cloudy days.
FACT: Harmful UV rays are present year round and can reach your skin and cause damage even through the clouds.
9.) MYTH: My makeup has sunscreen so I’m protected against melanoma and skin cancer.
FACT: The sunscreen in makeup usually doesn’t not provide the recommended amount of coverage which is 30 SPF or above.
10.) MYTH: Sunscreen is all I need to protect me from melanoma.
FACT: You can help prevent melanoma by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, avoiding direct sunlight between the hours of 10:00AM and 4:00PM, and wearing a broad brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.