Skin Cancer Prevention

What Does Skin Cancer Look Like?
In the earliest stages, skin cancer is usually painless, causing many patients not to seek early care from their doctor. The cancer often presents as a sore that appears to heal but then recurs. Some skin cancers may appear as a painless ulceration. This means a spot on the skin that crusts or scabs and fails to heal completely. Spots that do not heal in about 4-6 weeks should be seen by a doctor. Skin cancers can appear as a small bump or lump on the skin. Areas with sun exposure such as the face, neck and arms are particularly susceptible to many forms of skin cancer.

Many people have moles or other harmless birth marks. However, anyone with changing moles and growths should see a doctor. These changes may appear with a variety of colors including red, pink, brown or black. Moles which are changing in size are another warning sign. Although moles do often change slightly over a life time, that change should not occur over months or years.

What Can I Do to Prevent the Problem?
The single greatest cause of most skin cancers is excessive exposure to sunlight. Both natural sunlight and light from tanning beds damage the skin. Both forms of light expose the skin to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light damages the skin, causes it to age prematurely, and increases the risk of skin cancer. Therefore, exercising good judgment and protection of the skin from ultraviolet damage makes good sense.

Indoor tanning of the skin is not risk free as some advertisers may claim. Long term exposure to the sun and tanning from sun or artificial sources of ultraviolet light contributes to the risk of skin cancer. There has been some press lately about Vitamin D deficiency from lack of sunlight. However, the vast majority of patients get sufficient Vitamin D from their diets and the body treats both forms the same.

Skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer and usually grows in the skin and does not spread to other internal organs. Squamous cell cancer usually remains confined to one area but can spread throughout the body if left untreated. Melanoma is the most serious of the skin cancers and remains the most fatal type of all cancers.

Anyone may get damage from the sun and ultraviolet light. We do know that adults with light skin, light colored hair and eyes, and those who sunburn easily are most likely to get skin cancer. This is why doctors recommend that everyone use a common sense approach to sun exposure and outdoor activities. First and foremost, sunbathing is ill advised. Those who spend a great amount of time outdoors due to play or work activities must take the greatest protective measures.

When possible, it is best to avoid sun exposure during the day light hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. During this time, increased amounts of ultraviolet light strike the earth. It is important to wear sensible protective clothing. This includes broad brimmed hats to shade the face and ears. Long sleeve shirts and long pants help to achieve the best protection.

Sunscreens are the most important for all exposed skin areas. Current sunscreens are readily available over the counter and are very effective in the prevention of sunburn and ultraviolet light damage. Lotions are usually the most appealing, as they moisturize the skin while protecting it from sun damage. Sunscreen gels are best for work or physical activities where you will be perspiring. Sunscreen sprays are a quick and easy way to apply protection to large areas of the body. All sunscreens should be reapplied if sweating, swimming or if you expect extensive sun exposure. Ideally, sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before light exposure for optimal results.

The use of sunscreen does not mean you can safely spend more time in the sun without the risk of skin damage. Some skin damage will occur even with sunscreen. Most people benefit from sunscreens with sun protection factor (SPF) numbers of 15 or more. The SPF numbers give you some idea of how long you can stay in the sun without burning. A SPF sunscreen protects you 15 times more than normal unprotected skin. Therefore the amount of skin damage that would be expected in 150 minutes of sun exposure is the same as that of 10 minutes of sun exposure on unprotected skin.

Where Can I Get More Information?

University of Iowa Resources

• University of Iowa Health Care, Department of Dermatology
• Cancer Information Service (1-800-237-1225)

Other Resources

• American Cancer Society
• National Cancer Institute
• Skin Cancer Foundation

If you would like more information on skin cancer or telephone numbers to the above organizations, please contact the Cancer Information Service at 1-800-237-1225 or e-mail: cancer-information@uiowa.edu.

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