Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in the US. Thankfully, many times it can be treated and cured. Screening for skin cancer is also something you can do at home if you can’t make it to the doctor for a yearly skin check (make sure someone looks at your back for you).
But first, what are the risk factors for developing skin cancer?
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
There are two main categories when it comes to skin cancer risk factors: genetics and sun exposure. Like many cancers, family history can inform you to be a little more cautious when in the sun and when screening. Additionally, if you spend a lot of time in the sun (for work or play) you will want to pay close attention to your skin as you age.
If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others:
Do you have a lighter skin tone?
Do you burn or freckle easily?
Do you have a lot of moles?
Do you have blonde or red hair?Do you have a family history of skin cancer?
Do you spend a lot of time in the sun for your job (farming, landscaping, etc) or for fun (beach, boating, lake, running)?
Do you use tanning beds or have you used them in the past?
Skin Cancer Types
Once you’ve identified any risk factors, you can take control of your skin cancer screening and what to look for. There are three main types of skin cancer: squamous cell, basal cell, and melanoma. Melanoma is the least common but also the most dangerous as it can spread to other areas.
According to the American Cancer Society, basal cell carcinoma is the most common – accounting for 80% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma tends to develop on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, and head. Basal cell carcinomas are usually easily treated and slow-growing.
Squamous cell carcinoma is less common and also tends to show up on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and head. Squamous cell carcinoma can also appear on the ears, lips, and even in scarred areas.
Melanoma is the least common of the skin cancers but has a greater risk of spreading. This makes melanoma really important to identify and treat early. Melanoma skin cancers tend to show up on the chest or back rather than the face or head.
ABCDEs of Melanoma
But what do you look for when doing a skin check for melanoma? Looking for the ABCDEs of melanoma is an easy way to check out a mole and see if you need to see your dermatologist.
Asymmetry
Rather than a nice circular or oval mole, cancerous moles tend to have asymmetry. This means one side doesn’t match the other, making it look more like an unusual shape versus a circle.
Border
Melanoma lesions tend to have irregular borders too. They may have rough or bumpy edges. Noncancerous moles have smooth, matching edges and borders.
Color
If you see a mole that has multiple colors (different shades of brown, tan, black) then this is one you should get checked out by your dermatologist. Noncancerous moles are usually all one color.
Diameter
You want to check out the size of the mole too. If it’s larger than 6mm (or roughly the size of a pencil eraser) you want to keep an eye on it.
Evolution
Noncancerous moles tend to form and stay the same shape, size, and color. If you notice a mole changing in any way – you should probably get this one evaluated to make sure its noncancerous.
Take Charge of Your Skin Cancer Screening
It may seem like a lot to do when doing a skin check, and can even be scary if you find something you’re unsure about. Always remember if you don’t know if a mole is worrisome or not – getting it evaluated by a healthcare provider is the best next step. They can evaluate the area, maybe take a biopsy to look at the area under a microscope, and come up with a plan.
Many skin cancers are curable when found early, this is why doing yearly skin checks is important to catch any suspicious areas. If you still have questions on what to look for – reach out to your healthcare provider or dermatologist today!
Stephanie Klein is a Nurse Practitioner and Healthcare Copywriter dedicated to creating a space where science and creativity can have a chat (preferably over a latte or glass of wine)..