Most Common Cancer in the United States - Preventable!

Skin cancer is on the rise in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, over one million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year alone. At current rates, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Although the cause of most skin cancers, ultraviolet radiation from excessive sun exposure, is known, large number of Americans still are not practicing sun safety. Many people are unaware how damaging the sun can be over a lifetime. While people with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and blue or green eyes are at highest risk of developing skin cancer, simple lifestyle changes can prevent development of skin cancers even in these high-risk groups.

There are three primary types of skin cancer, all of which are caused by sun exposure. While basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma are both potentially deadly forms of skin cancer. Employing simple sun safety guidelines and having regular skin examinations may prevent all types of skin cancer.

Dermatologist John R. Hamill, Jr., Medical Director of Gulf Coast Dermatology in Hudson, Florida, recommends avoiding unnecessary sun exposure by staying indoors during peak hours of ultraviolet radiation between 10:00am and 4:00pm. "Most people in Florida don't realize how much sun exposure they get simply walking to and from their car or mailbox," says Dr. Hamill. As a result, sunscreen with an SPF 15 or greater is suggested for everyday use, while suncreens with UVA/UVB protection and SPF 30 or greater is recommended when excess sun exposure is anticipated. "The importance of reapplying sunscreen every 2-3 hours when outdoors cannot be overstated, remarks Dr. Hamill; "it is vital in preventing sun damage which leads to skin cancers." Additional preventative measures include: wearing sun protective clothing such as long sleeves and wide brimmed hats, avoiding tanning beds, and regular skin exams by a dermatologist.

For people who spend extensive time in the sun or who have a history of chronic sun exposure should have annual skin exams performed by a dermatologist. Dr. Hamill recommends seeing a dermatologist more frequently for people with a history of skin cancer or if non-healing, bleeding, or crusted lesions develop. "Any new lesions or changing of existing lesions should be evaluated by a dermatologist promptly," says Dr. Hamill. "Skin cancer, if caught early, is usually curable."

We would like to thank the American Academy of Dermatology for helping us bring this information to you in a via our web site.