As the sun begins to shine brighter and longer, May marks more than just the unofficial start of summer—it also kicks off Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a crucial time dedicated to educating the public about the risks, signs, and prevention of the most common type of cancer in the United States. Each year, over 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed, making awareness and proactive skin care more important than ever. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer, one of our main priorities is bringing skin cancer awareness to the forefront so our patients have the tools they need to protect their skin.
The Scope of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the skin’s outermost layer. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the more dangerous melanoma. While basal and squamous cell cancers are generally treatable, melanoma can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not caught early.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Alarmingly, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than with all other cancers combined. Skin cancer is also one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when detected early.
Why Prevention is Key
Many cases of skin cancer are directly linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV rays damage the DNA in our skin cells, leading to mutations that can result in cancer. Fortunately, by adopting sun-safe behaviors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk.
Building healthy daily routines is important to helping prevent skin cancer. “I remind my patients to wear sunscreen any time they’re exposed to the sun and encourage them to remind their loved ones to do the same,” said Dr. Paul Dunn, one of Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery’s Board-Certified Dermatologist. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can all help safeguard your skin. Avoiding tanning beds altogether is another crucial step, as just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of melanoma by 20%.
Early Detection Can Make a Difference
Regular skin checks—both at home and with a Dermatology Provider – are essential for catching skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. The “ABCDE” rule is a helpful guide for identifying potentially cancerous moles:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
- Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
- Color: Varied from one area to another
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or color
If you notice any suspicious changes to your skin, don’t wait – schedule an appointment with a Dermatology Provider.
Make Skin Health a Year-Round Priority
While May is a great time to raise awareness, prevention should be a year-round commitment. Make sun protection a part of your daily routine, like brushing your teeth. Encourage your family, friends, and children to adopt healthy skin habits early on, as sun damage is cumulative over a lifetime.
“It’s never too late to start practicing sun-safe behavior, and it’s never too late to start treating signs of sun damage,” said Dunn. “Our Dermatology Providers at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery are here to answer your skin-related questions so you find the right preventative treatments for your lifestyle.”
By staying informed and proactive, we can reduce the number of skin cancer diagnoses and save lives. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to check your skin, educate others, and protect the skin you’re in.
About Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery
Our expert Board-Certified Dermatologists, Certified Physician Assistants, Registered Nurse Practitioners, and Cosmetic Specialists specialize in Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology and are ready to answer any of your questions. Visit any of our Coeur d’Alene, Spokane North, Spokane Valley, and South Hill locations.