Preventing Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world, affecting one in five Americans by the age of 70. While skin cancer can also have a high mortality rate, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma, one of the deadliest skin cancers, is 99 percent when detected early.
May was Skin Cancer Awareness Month, making now the perfect time to learn about skin cancer types and how to keep your skin safe.
Types Of Skin Cancer
The skin is the body’s largest organ. It consists of two main layers: the epidermis and dermis. Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells within the epidermis.
Depending on which cells become cancerous, there are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. In the early stages of skin cancer, people often don’t experience signs or symptoms aside from physical changes in the skin. Generally, you can tell skin cancer by a new or changing growth, such as a mole.
When diagnosed early, skin cancer is treatable. However, if left untreated, the cancer can spread to other organs, which can be life-threatening.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of age, race, or skin color. Skin cancer is more common in people with lighter skin or those who easily burn in the sun. It’s also more common in older adults and individuals with a family history of skin cancer.
Tips For Improved Skin Health
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Many skin cancers develop from exposure to UV rays whether from the sun or an artificial source such as a tanning bed. The good news is there are ways to protect yourself from harmful UV rays and significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer.
Protect Your Skin
The best thing you can do for your skin is to protect it from UV rays. The less exposure to UV rays your skin gets, the lower your risk of developing skin cancer.
- Stay out of tanning beds. Tanning beds emit artificial UV rays to emulate the sun and give your skin a tan. Aside from increasing your risk of skin cancer, tanning beds dry out your skin and cause wrinkles and age spots.
- Wear sunscreen every day. Most people are good about applying sunscreen when spending extended time outside, but UV rays can harm your skin after just a few minutes of exposure. You don’t have to apply sunscreen everywhere on the body, but you should apply it to regularly exposed places, such as your face, neck, and hands.
- Stay out of direct sunlight. When spending time outdoors, avoid places in direct sunlight and instead look for shaded areas. If there are no shaded areas, consider wearing large sun hats or a sun umbrella.
- Wear light layers. Another option for protecting the skin when you’re in sunny areas is to wear light layers. The extra layer of clothing between the skin and the sun can deflect harmful rays.
Get Your Skin Checked
Skin cancer is treatable when detected early. The sooner you find skin cancer, the sooner a doctor can remove the cancerous cells. The best way to find skin cancer in its early stages is to have your skin regularly checked by a dermatologist. Dermatologists not only look for skin cancer but can also identify pre-cancerous tumors or cells that may develop into skin cancer.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
The Visiting Angels care team assists clients in improving their health and well-being in all aspects of their lives, including skin care. Our caregivers can help find the right sunscreen, ensure clients wear sun-safe apparel, or bring them to their dermatologist appointments.
In addition to ensuring clients take proper care of their skin, our caregivers can assist with cooking, light housekeeping, medication reminders, grooming, showering, and mobility. You can learn more about our at-home care services online or contact our Southwest Colorado office to schedule a complimentary consultation.