Skin Cancer Awareness, Everything You Need to Know

While exposure to ultraviolet light through sunlight or tanning beds increases the risk of skin cancer, other factors should also be considered:

• Fair skin that is subject to sunburns
• Sunburn history
• Aging
• Blistering sunburns 
• Decreased function of the immune system
• Family history of skin cancer

People with fair skin tend to be more susceptible to skin cancer, but people of all ethnicities and races can develop skin cancer. Everyone should try to stay in the shade or wear sunscreen during peak sunlight. 

It’s important to note that people with dark skin are not safe from skin cancer, even if they never experience sunburn. Equally important, African Americans have an increased likelihood of being diagnosed in melanoma’s later stages. This results in these individuals having the lowest overall survival rate for skin cancer. 

Most individuals have birthmarks, freckles, or moles on their body. Determining if a dermatologist should examine a mole or mark is challenging. When examining your skin, use the “ABCDE rule” to check for potential skin cancer.

• Asymmetrical marks or moles where half of a mole doesn’t match the other half
• Borders that are jagged, blurry, irregular, or notched
• Colors in different shades of red, brown, blue, pink, white, or black; or non-uniformity of colors
• Diameters over 1/4 inch (approximately the size of the eraser on a pencil)
• Evolving or changing of any form, including color, size, or shape

The most important measure to prevent skin cancer is to minimize exposure to sunlight and tanning beds.

• Use sunscreen anytime you’re out in the sun.
• Avoid the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. This is when dangerous ultraviolet light is strongest. 
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and a wide-brimmed hat if you have to be outside in the sun. 
• Wear UV-blocking clothing and sunglasses. 

If you need a dermatologist for skin cancer detection, treatment, or prevention, our team at Clarity Dermatology, office in Parker, Colorado, is here to help and answer any questions you may have. Call us today at (720) 686-7546 to schedule a consultation and learn more about the importance of skin cancer awareness.