As we enter February and focus on cancer prevention, one of the easiest forms of cancer prevention is skin cancer prevention.
About 3.3 million people in the U.S. will be diagnosed each year with basal and squamous cell skin cancers (the more common types of skin cancer). Melanoma, a more serious type of skin cancer, will have about 97,000 cases in 2023 in the U.S. Melanoma is considered more serious due to the risk of distant spread to other organs or lymph nodes, and it has a striking death rate of just under 8,000 people per year in the U.S.
With these disconcerting numbers, the focus must be on prevention and early detection. The easiest form of skin cancer prevention is the use of sunscreen. In today’s busy world, skin cancer prevention can easily become part of a morning routine. The average person takes about 30 minutes to get ready each morning and the regular application of sunscreen would only add about 3-5 minutes to that daily routine.
When it comes to skin cancer prevention, what is the most common question that we get asked… What SPF should I use? Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays. Higher-number SPFs block slightly more of the sun’s UVB rays, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun’s UVB rays. For women this practice has gotten a little easier, as most cosmetics are made with built-in sunscreen. However, men have a higher incidence of all types of skin cancer compared to their female counterparts. Clearly, we need to do a better job at getting our men to apply sunscreen, especially when there will be prolonged sun exposure.
Sunscreen isn’t just about the initial application – it is also about the reapplication in the appropriate intervals. Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. The important thing to note is that there is sun exposure even when the person isn’t doing fun things like boating, swimming, or chores like working in the yard. There is sun exposure even on a daily commute to work riding in the car. This is why making sunscreen application a part of the morning routine is so important.
It is also important to find a product the person will use. Trying different sunscreen lotions or sprays helps the individual find the product that they will use. Although some people will argue that the sprays are not as effective or don’t offer sufficient coverage, it is still better than not using any form of sunscreen at all.
Another form of prevention and early detection is routine dermatology visits. The average person should see a dermatologist for a skin check once a year. Depending on the amount of sun damage the person’s skin surface has, the frequency may change to 2-3 times a year. Seeing a dermatologist on a regular basis can prevent early skin cancers from developing into something more serious.
Prevention can also be done with the use of sun protective clothing and wide brim hats. This shields the skin from direct UVA/UVB exposure. If the person is going to have prolonged, direct sun exposure, these items are good choices.
Naples Cancer Advisors Medical Director, Philip D. Leming MD, is widely regarded as a national expert in melanoma and complex skin malignancies.
“Over the years of cancer research and treatment, I find caring for ill patients is my calling. One can never master medicine, but you can always care for people. Listening, understanding, being there, caring and realizing that you can always help are what matters.” – Philip D. Leming, MD
With Melanoma as his focus, Dr. Leming was a founding member of The Society for Melanoma Research and founding member of the organization, Melanoma Know More. He has contributed to many of the major new developments in melanoma treatment and has extensive experience in immunotherapy, having been trained by Steve Rosenberg MD, Ph.D., and Don Morton MD, as well as many other leaders in the world of melanoma research and treatment.
During his Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Cincinnati, Dr. Leming was accepted as one of a very small number of physicians in the nation to attend The National Cancer Institute – widely regarded as one of the premier organizations for oncology – and was appointed to the Medicine Branch. There, he studied under some of the most influential cancer specialists in the world, which shaped his future in cancer medicine and cancer treatment.
Southwest Florida residents with a current or past cancer diagnosis are eligible for a no-cost consultation at Naples Cancer Advisors. The world-class team of experts works directly with your treating physician to help improve your plan of care. For more information, call 239.846.2273 (CARE) or visit NaplesCancerAdvisors.org.
Naples Cancer Advisors
239-846-2273 (CARE)
3201 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 112, Naples, FL 34103
naplescanceradvisors.org