Skin cancer is a common condition in the United States. One in five Americans develops skin cancer during their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in the United States. According to statistics, about 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day in the US.
May is skin cancer and melanoma awareness month. It is a month that reminds you of skin cancer, its risk factors, and how to prevent it. Sanaya Gandhi and Mallory Hoskins, your Rock Hill physician assistants, provide you with effective tips on skin cancer to help protect your skin this month and always.
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer simply means the abnormal growth of skin cells. It occurs when irregular growths occur on your skin. Skin cancer can appear as rashes, nodules, or irregular patches on the skin surface.
The size, shape, or visibility of the skin mass increases as cancer grows deeper into the skin. You will also notice that these spots or skin masses may ooze or bleed easily. If the skin cancer spreads deeper or becomes more severe, you will need to visit your physician assistant for proper intervention.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are three common types of skin cancer. The type of cancer a person develops depends on where cancer develops. Here are the common types of skin cancer and everything you need to know about them.
Basal Cell Carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma happens to be the most common skin cancer type. This form of skin cancer is more common in people with fair skin. It also occurs when you expose your skin to the sun’s rays or indoor skin tanning over a long period. It occurs when cancer begins in skin cells called basal cells.
Basal cell skin cancer is often characterized by its flesh-colored appearance. The growths often look like a pearl-like bump, round growth, or pinkish patch of skin. They are commonly found on exposed parts of the body like the neck, head, or arms. You can also find them in hidden places like the abdomen, legs, or chest.
Basal cell carcinoma is treatable. However, if left untreated, it can penetrate the bones and nerves causing damage to cells and tissues. Early diagnosis and treatment are important for any type of skin cancer.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common skin cancer type. This type of skin cancer can affect both light and dark-skinned individuals. It is also caused by exposure to the sun and indoor tanning.
Squamous cell carcinoma usually looks like scaly patches or red firm bumps. It also may look like a sore that healed up and then reopened. It usually forms on places like the face, neck, rim of the ear, back, and chest. It also can cause serious damage and disfiguration if not treated early.
Early detection of squamous cell carcinoma will help with its treatment, saving you from skin problems.
Melanoma
This is the most serious of all skin cancers. It is more severe due to its ability or tendency to spread. It can develop from a dark spot on your skin and then gradually grow bigger. It can also develop from within an existing mole on your skin.
These dark spots usually have irregular borders and varying colors ranging from tan to black, brown, or areas of blue, white, or red. Melanoma skin cancer evolves, so early diagnosis and treatment are very important!
Proper diagnosis and treatment is necessary to remove and treat the cancer with the best outcome.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
There are several causes of skin cancer, but the main cause is overexposure to sunlight. When you expose yourself too much to sunlight, you can develop skin cancer, especially when it results in sunburns and blistering.
When the ultraviolet rays from the sun reach your skin, it damages your skin DNA causing abnormal skin cells to form. Then, these cells divide rapidly, forming a mass of cancerous cells.
Another cause of skin cancer is the use of tanning beds. Tanning also exposes your skin to ultraviolet rays that can be deadly to your skin cells. You should stop tanning and get sun protection to reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Additionally, the following may increase your risk of developing skin cancer:
- Family history of skin cancer
- A first degree relative with melanoma
- History of sunburns with blisters
- Personal history of cancer (any type)
- Fair skin tone
- Being immunocompromised
Lowering Your Risk of Skin Cancer
You need to lower your risk of skin cancer to protect your skin and your overall health. Here are simple but effective ways to do that.
Use Sun Protection or Sunscreen
You should always wear skin protection, sunscreen, lip balm, or any skincare products. Make sure the sunscreen or lip balm you use has a sun protection factor of 30 or above (SPF 30 rating). These products will protect your skin from the harsh UV rays of the sun.
Wear Sunglasses and Hats
You need to protect yourself from the rays of the sun. Use hats and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes when you are outside during the day.
Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
You have to stay away from direct sun exposure to avoid any skin problems. Make sure you have something covering and protecting your skin from the sun. Also, try to limit your time outside during the prime hours of the afternoon when the sun’s rays are most powerful.
Stop Using Tanning Beds
Tanning exposes your skin to ultraviolet rays, so you should stop tanning and save your skin.
Skin Cancer Self-Check Processes
Give yourself the best skin care by paying attention to your skin. Here are some skin check processes to follow regularly.
- Stand in front of a mirror.
- Check your upper body for lumps, dark patches, etc.
- Examine your underarms, under your fingernails, and between your fingers for any signs of change.
- Check your lower body for lumps, dark patches, etc.
- Examine the back of your legs, the bottom of your feet, and the back of your thighs, ears, and neck.
Skin Cancer Awareness from Your Rock Hill Physician Assistants
Sanaya Gandhi, PA-C and Mallory Hoskins, PA-C in Rock Hill, advise that you become fully aware of skin cancer, its prevention, and treatment options. You are also advised to carry out skin cancer research to know more about the condition.Rock Hill Dermatology Center provides effective skin cancer treatment services in Rock Hill, SC. You can contact us to book an appointment with our team.
