The July sun is strong in South Jersey, so if it’s been more than 2 hours since you’ve reached for that bottle of sunscreen, it’s time to go reapply – because that trip down the Shore could bring some consequences you aren’t prepared for.
If you think you’re immune to a skin cancer scare, think again – skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., with 9,500 Americans diagnosed every day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
The good news? Skin cancer has a 99% survival rate if you catch it early – which means it’s time to listen up. Here’s what you need to know.
Skin cancer is one of the only forms of cancer where you can screen yourself, so it’s important to keep an eye on any type of new mark or changes on your skin.
Recognize the signs
Skin cancer is one of the only forms of cancer where you can screen yourself, so it’s important to keep an eye on any type of new mark or changes on your skin, says Nandini Kulkarni, MD, medical director of surgical oncology at Inspira Health.
Nandini Kulkarni, MD
“Look for skin growths like freckles or moles, a skin wound that isn’t healing or noticeable changes to existing freckles or moles,” she says.
But not every mark means cancer. When determining if it’s something to worry about, doctors follow a system called the ABCDE’s: Asymmetry: if you draw a line in the center of the mole, are the sides uneven? Border: Is the border blurry, not clearly defined? Color: Is it more than one color? Diameter: Is it bigger than 6 mm? Evolution: Is it changing in size, shape or color? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it’s time to get it checked.
“A change to a mole, a sore that won’t heal or a new growth are warning signs of skin cancer,” says Kulkarni.“Conducting regular skin checks can help you know when to see a dermatologist.”
During a skin cancer screening – which doctors recommend once a year – a dermatologist will examine any abnormalities that come up. If they find anything suspicious, they’ll perform a biopsy for further diagnosis.
Because again, not every mark means cancer. These spots could be non life-threatening issues like liver spots (non-dangerous patches of dark skin), psoriasis (red, dry and scaly patches), or even keratoses (benign skin tumors that can resemble cancerous growths but don’t typically require treatment.)
Defend yourself against the sun
These marks are caused by repeated damage to the skin, like sunburns and excessive exposure to UV light. Unless you shut yourself in the house all day, every day, you can’t avoid the risk of sun exposure completely. But you can protect yourself.
Coyle Connolly, DO
“The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is sunscreen use year round,” says Coyle Connolly, DO, dermatologist and founder of Connolly Dermatology. “Aim for an SPF of at least 30.”
Rule of thumb: Apply 1 oz of sunscreen to any skin not covered by clothing at least 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours – sooner if you’re swimming or sweating. And keep in mind that not all sunscreen is created equal.
“There are two types of sunscreens: mineral and chemical sunscreens,” says Connolly. “Mineral based sunscreens sit on top of your skin with minimal absorption and block UV rays. Chemical-based sunscreens are absorbed into your skin where it takes the UV rays and converts it to heat to leave the body.”
One isn’t inherently better than the other – but one may be better for you personally.
“Those with sensitive skin may prefer mineral based sunscreens while individuals with darker skin tones may prefer chemical based or combination sunscreens,” he says. “At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you will wear daily, throughout the year.”
Staying in the shade is one of the best ways to ward off sun damage, but for those who love the outdoors, SPF clothing, wide-brim hats and good quality sunglasses can be great alternatives. The most sun-exposed areas will be more prone to skin cancer – scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms, hands and legs.
“Keep in mind that most windows – including car windows – do not block UV rays,” says Connolly. “Although these are the higher risk areas, skin cancers can occur in non-sun exposed areas, which is why it is so important to see a physician and get annual skin checks for early detection and prevention.”
Get treatment
For many people, the idea of seeing a doctor for skin cancer can be scary. So instead, they focus on the aesthetic aspect and head to their neighborhood plastic surgeon to get it removed, says Lyle Back, MD, a cosmetic surgeon and founder of the Cosmetic Surgery Center of Cherry Hill.
Lyle Back, MD
“We get 2 types of patients for sun spots,” he says. “One is the person who thinks they have a harmless mole or pimple and wants to get it taken care of. The other is someone who is worried it’s cancer, but it feels too intimidating to go straight to the dermatologist. Either way, they put themselves in a great position to get the care they need.”
Because aestheticians and plastic surgeons have a background in recognizing certain warning signs of skin cancer, they can accurately diagnose and treat the issue as well, he says.
Especially when caught early, skin cancer can be treated in the office through removal, topical creams, freezing and laser treatments – all of which come with very little, if any, recovery or lingering side effects.
“Everyone should feel great in their skin, and if they want a spot removed just because they don’t like the look of it, there’s nothing wrong with that,” says Back. “But the added benefit is that if we discover it is serious, we have the power to help, or to recognize the symptoms enough to refer you to a more specialized dermatologist.”
“Sometimes people think that something is a little nothing, and it ends up being a little something. Of course, fortunately, it happens the other way too,” he adds. “It’s the responsibility of doctors to create a comfortable environment to explore, and treat, those concerns.”
