26
Aug
Skin Cancer Awareness, Everything You Need to Know
Skin cancer remains the most common cancer affecting human beings, and about five million cases are diagnosed in the U.S. every year. Skin cancer results from the abnormal growth of skin cells, and skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body. Let’s dive in and learn more about skin cancer awareness.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
When cells on normal skin die, they are replaced with new cells through a process our DNA regulates. When this process fails to work properly, skin cancer can form. In skin cancer cases, the new cells develop much too quickly, resulting in uncontrolled growth. This rampant growth is skin cancer. Two of the leading causes of skin cancer are the use of tanning beds and getting too much ultraviolet light from sunlight.
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
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
Who Can Get 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.
What Are the Symptoms of 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
How Do I Prevent Skin Cancer?
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.
Skin Cancer Awareness Parker Colorado
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 request an appointment and learn more about the importance of skin cancer awareness.
Dr. Hannah Pederson, MD
Hannah Pederson, MD, is a board-certified Dermatologist passionate about all areas of medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She attended the Colorado School of Mines and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering. She attended the University of Colorado School of Medicine for medical school and completed her dermatology residency at Baylor Scott and White Health in Temple, Texas.Dr. Pederson is passionate about skin cancer prevention and has volunteered with the Colorado Skin Cancer Task Force. She had also received a grant from the Melanoma Research Foundation.
Dr. J. Daniel Jensen, MD
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J. Daniel Jensen, MD is fellowship-trained in Mohs Micrographic Surgery and cosmetic dermatology. He is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine and specializes in vein disease treatment.
Dr. Jensen attended Brigham Young University where he studied Biochemistry and Portuguese and graduated with University Honors before attending the University of Colorado for medical school. After medical school, he completed his dermatology residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr. Jensen was then selected for a prestigious one-year fellowship in Micrographic Surgery and Dermatologic Oncology at Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California.
He has participated in numerous clinical trials, published many articles, book chapters, and research abstracts/posters, and presented his research at national and international meetings. Dr. Jensen has also served as past President of the Colorado Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Tracy Haines, MD
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Tracy Haines, MD graduated from the University of Austin, Texas with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and completed medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She completed her dermatology residency at Wayne State University, Michigan, and then moved to Colorado to work as a dermatologist. Dr. Haines is board-certified with the American Board of Dermatology and is a member of the American Academy of Dermatology and Colorado Dermatologic Society.
Dr. Haines is also a talented artist, and displays her art at our DTC location. All three are board-certified dermatologists committed to integrity, teamwork, and compassionate and individualized care for every patient.
Teagan Hagler, Licensed Esthetician
Teagan Hagler is a licensed esthetician with a passion for personalized skincare. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to her practice, specializing in treatments such as MiraDry, Emsculpt Neo, CoolSculpting, and microneedling. Teagan is dedicated to enhancing natural beauty and restoring skin health through tailored care. Her approachable nature and meticulous attention to detail build trust and foster lasting relationships with her clients. Outside of work, Teagan cherishes time with family and friends, embodying mindfulness and meaningful connections, which she integrates into her holistic approach to patient care.
