Skin Cancer Prevention

Risk factors

All three types of skin cancer share common risk factors.  People who have the flowing traits or experiences are at greater risk:

• Fair complexion and light or red hair
• Sunburns easily
• Many moles
• Excessive sun exposure, especially during the first 10 to 18 years of life
• Excessive tanning bed use
• Family history of skin cancer

Prevention

The National Cancer Institute recommends the following ways to protect skin  from the sun and help prevent skin cancer from occurring:

• Avoid “peak” sunlight hours – 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Seek shade whenever possible.
• Wear protective clothing including wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts and pants during prolonged sun exposure.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 15 or higher, 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.  Reapply every two hours.
• Have skin checked once a year by a dermatologist.

Signs and Symptoms

The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin – especially a new growth or a sore that doesn’t heal.  In addition, moles with the following characteristics should be checked immediately:

• Asymmetry – on one half does not match the other half
• Border irregularity – edges are ragged, notched or blurred
• Color – color is not the same throughout
• Diameter of mole is wider than six millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) or is growing

For more information on skin cancer prevention, contact the Norton Cancer Institute Prevention & Early Detection Program at 1-800-555-6772 or email cancer@nortonhealthcare.org.  A health care professional will research and respond to your question within 48-hours.  Exceptions may include weekends and holidays.