How Susceptible Are You to Skin Cancer?

So, how susceptible are you to skin cancer? In central Indiana, the summers can be blazing hot. Our crews take multiple precautions to avoid extreme exposure to the sun. But are you prepared for the heat? Covering your skin, wearing a hat, and hydrating are all important, but you should also be aware of your susceptibility to skin cancer and how to avoid it.

A couple of years ago, my father, who was 88 years old was diagnosed with skin cancer. I met with his doctor. A biopsy was completed, the cancer wasn’t malignant, and a series of treatments were tried. The treatments didn’t take. The cancer needed to be removed, and a skin graph was required to replace the two-inch oval area on his right forearm that was to be surgically removed. As an octogenarian, my dad doesn’t heal as fast as he once did. However, the team successfully removed the cancer, the graph took, and his arm healed.

How Susceptible Are You to Skin Cancer?

Are You at Risk?

Skin Type

There is a mistaken belief that only fair-skinned people get skin cancer. This isn’t true. Although certain types of skin cancer may be more prevalent in lighter-skinned people, any skin type is susceptible to skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation categorizes six skin types from type 1,” You always burn and never tan in the sun. You are extremely susceptible to skin damage as well as cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.” To type 6, “Although you do not burn, dark-skinned people are still at risk for skin cancers…”

Other Factors

Other factors contribute to skin cancer, including certain medications, organ transplants, and inherited conditions. Here are some listed by The American Cancer Society

Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma
Had skin cancer before
Have many moles, irregular moles, or large moles
Have freckles and burn before tanning
Spend a lot of time outdoors
Have fair skin, blue or green eyes, or blond, red, or light brown hair
Live or vacation at high altitudes (the strength of UV rays increases the higher up you are)
Live or vacation in tropical or subtropical climates
Work indoors all week and then get intense sun exposure on weekends
Have certain autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus)

High-Risk Factors

Some factors increase your chances of contracting skin cancer, such as age. Because the older we get, the more sun we’ve been exposed to and the less resistant our skin becomes. Men have double the chance of carrying skin cancer cells, which some experts believe may be due to more outdoor exposure. Chemicals such as arsenic, coal, and tar are known causes of skin cancer, as are extensive radiation treatment; severe skin damage such as burn scars increases the chances of contracting skin cancer, as does smoking—source information from – National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention.

Tanning and Sunbathing

“Ultraviolet (UV) rays come from the sun or from indoor tanning (using a tanning bed, booth, or sunlamp to get tan). When UV rays reach the skin’s inner layer, the skin makes more melanin. Melanin is the pigment that colors the skin. It moves toward the outer layers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan.

A tan does not indicate good health. A tan is a response to injury, because skin cells signal that UV rays have hurt them by producing more pigment.

People burn or tan depending on their skin type, the time of year, and how long they are exposed to UV rays.” — CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention)

How to Reduce the Threat of Skin Cancer

Lowering the threat of skin cancer begins with protection from the sun and UV rays. It also means being aware of subspecialty factors such as skin tone, age, and sex. Reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and radiation are also critical. Here’s a list of preventive measures, Sun protection prevention guidelines.

Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds.
Do not burn.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over 6 months old.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

If you are aware of your exposure, use caution, and take recommended preventative actions, you can substantially lower the threat of skin cancer.

Photo by Luis Graterol on Unsplash

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