Skin Cancer Screenings

Reality: You can get sunburned on a cloudy day or on a bright, sunny day. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is what causes sunburn—and while some clouds block UV radiation, others reflect it toward the ground.

Reality: The average white cotton T-shirt only has a sun protective factor (SPF) of five—and that’s not enough. If you plan to be out in the sun for a prolonged period, you should apply sunscreen to areas of your body that are prone to exposure, even if they’ll be covered by clothing. This includes the neck, shoulders, arms, and back. Another option is to wear clothing manufactured with high-SPF material. Some sun shirts have SPF values of 50 or higher.

Reality: Tanning beds expose your skin to damaging UV light. Don’t use them! Research has shown that using tanning beds can significantly increase a person’s risk of getting melanoma.

Reality: Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is one of the most common forms of cancer for people younger than 30.

Reality: Skin cancer is one of the most common—and preventable—types of cancer, and the rate of new cases is trending up.

Reality: Skin cancer can be fatal if not treated early. The American Cancer Society notes that melanoma accounts for about 1 percent of skin cancer cases but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths.

No. Keep newborns out of the sun. Protect children ages six months and older with sunscreen.

Sunscreen comes in more user-friendly forms than ever before—creams, sprays, lotions, and wipes—and in handy take-along containers. Whatever form you choose, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen that offers the following:

• Broad-spectrum protection (both UVA and UVB protection)
• SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher
• Water resistance, if you plan to be in water; reapply as directed by the instructions on the product’s label

Sunscreen is most effective when you apply an even layer over all exposed skin 15–30 minutes before you’ll be out in the sun. Be sure to reapply every two hours—or more often if you get wet or sweaty.

Keep it away from your eyes, but apply sunscreen anywhere your skin is exposed, paying careful attention to the tops and outside areas of your ears, back, chest, nose, hands, and feet.

• Wear sun-protective swimwear, hats, and clothing. Some sun shirts have SPF values of 50 or higher.
• Wear a hat with a wide (four-inch or greater) brim to protect your face and neck.
• Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Protect your eyes with sunglasses that provide UVA and UVB protection.
• If possible, seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Regular skin cancer screenings can help increase your odds of early detection. These screenings are most commonly performed at your physician’s office or at a dermatology office.

In addition, the American Cancer Society suggests performing monthly self-exams. Do your self-exams in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Use a hand-held mirror for areas that are hard to see.

To help identify trouble spots, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for the ABCDEs of melanoma:

• Asymmetry: One half of the spot is unlike the other half.
• Border: The spot has an irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined border.
• Color: The spot has varying colors from one area to the next, such as shades of tan, brown, or black, or areas of white, red, or blue.
• Diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than six millimeters across (or about the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
• Evolving: The spot looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color.

You should also keep an eye out for any spots that are painful or bleeding.

If you notice any of these issues, have them checked by a medical provider.