Health: Reducing Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Reducing Your Risk of Skin Cancer

By Hillary Knipstein

Sunscreen is the last thing on many women’s minds during the cold winter months. A frightening experience with skin cancer has thrust sunscreen—and associated preventive care measures-- to the top of glo account executive Melinda Musselman’s priority list.

Although Musselman has always been diligent about applying sunscreen and staying out of the sun, she started prioritizing a careful watch on existing moles and yearly skin exams as part of her preventative health routine as she entered her 40’s. She’s lucky she did. She noticed a mole, which a biopsy confirmed was melanoma. Because of her diligence, her physician was able to quickly address the issue with a quick, relatively non-invasive procedure.

“It’s crazy to think that if I had let it go, it could have been a lot worse,” she said. Indeed, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than two people in the United States die of skin cancer every hour.

After this experience, Musselman has become a sort of evangelist for the prevention and early detection of skin cancer. In addition to other measures, she visits her dermatologist for an exam every six months, religiously applies (and re-applies sunscreen), wears a hat, and stays out of the sun when she can.

“It’s a simple thing to do. Just be diligent,” she advised.

ABCDE Rule for the early detection of melanoma

Asymmetry

Borders

(the outer edges are uneven)

Color

(dark black or have mulitiple colors)

Diameter

(greater than 6 mm)

Evolving (change in size, shape and color) Area dermatologists agree. Anne Elhassnaoui with Fort Wayne Dermatology indicates that full body skin exams are the key tool for detecting skin cancer. Although everyone could benefit from these routine exams, those with a personal or family history of skin cancer, or those with a history of tanning should consider them a priority. The screen itself is painless and involves the provider visually examining skin and feeling any existing lesions.

While scheduling regular exams is key, some warning signs require immediate attention. If you notice new or changing moles or bleeding lesions, see a dermatologist right away, so that the area can be examined (and possibly removed or biopsied). Detecting skin cancer early has huge benefits, including a better cosmetic outcome and a reduced chance of spreading. Treatment for skin cancer can include chemo creams, scraping or excision (cutting out affected areas of skin).

While detecting skin cancer as early as possible is important, it’s only half of the battle. Taking steps to reduce the risk of skin cancer is even more crucial. Elhassnaoui recommends the following daily practices to reduce risk factors: • Try to stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. • Avoid tanning and sunburn. • Never use UV tanning beds. • Cover up with clothing, including hats and sunglasses. • Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15+ every day. For extended outdoor activity, choose a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30+.

Any general sunscreen with an SPF of 30+ will do the job. However, for a full-body sunscreen, Elhassnaoui recommends the CeraVe brand. Additionally, some facial moisturizers have sunscreen built in. Elhassnaoui recommends SkinMedica Total Defense and Repair, SkinMedica Mineral Defense or Jan Marini Antioxidant SPF.

While you’re imagining warmer weather this winter (or waiting for that self tanner to dry), take some time to schedule a routine skin exam with a dermatologist. Your life may depend on it. a

photos: shutterstock.com

Resource: Fort Wayne Dermatology, Fort Wayne, 260.436.8000, fwderm.com