Skin Cancer is the Most Common Type of Cancer in US
Living in Midland, you always hear that there is nothing like a West Texas sunset – which is very true. Well, there is also nothing like the UV rays from that same sun. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer. The most common type is basal cell carcinoma. Every day, nearly 20 Americans die from skin cancer; the vast majority of these are melanoma skin cancers.
Unfortunately, we all love to be outside and, in the sun, but exposure to natural and artificial UV light is a risk factor for all skin cancers. Even one blistering sunburn at a young age can almost double that person’s chance of developing melanoma. People who are fair-skinned, have blonde or red hair and a history of excessive sun exposure and tanning-bed use are all risk factors for skin cancers.
The best way to prevent skin cancers is to completely avoid direct sunlight from the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Because that is almost impossible, if you have to be in the sun during this prime UV time, wear UV- blocking clothing or sunblock with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or greater. Re-apply every couple of hours and after swimming or sweating. Because children with a history of sunburns greatly increases their risk of developing melanoma, it is important to protect children from the sun. I recommend no direct sunlight for extended periods of time before the age of 2.
I encourage everyone to perform regular self-exam skin checks, looking for changes in shape, size and color of moles; the appearance of a new growth or sore that does not heal; or anything changing, itching or bleeding. It is important for individuals with a family history of skin cancers to be examined by a board-certified dermatologist.
Let’s all keep enjoying that West Texas sun -- just wear sunscreen.