May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to share information, encourage skin checks, and promote healthy habits. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide with at least one in five Americans developing skin cancer by the age of 70. Despite its prevalence, skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and early detection significantly improves outcomes; when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99%. Raising awareness about skin cancer is essential to encourage protective behaviors, promote regular screenings, and ultimately save lives.
Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the skin’s layers, often due to DNA damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. The three main types of skin cancer are:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common and least aggressive, often appearing as a pearly or waxy bump.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): Typically appears as a firm, red nodule or a scaly, crusted lesion.
- Melanoma: The deadliest form, developing in the pigment-producing melanocytes. It can spread quickly if not treated early.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing skin cancer:
- Excessive sun exposure, especially without protection
- Use of tanning beds
- Fair skin, light-colored eyes, and a history of sunburns
- Family or personal history of skin cancer
- A large number of moles or atypical moles
When detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. Melanoma has a high survival rate when caught in its initial stages. That is why skin self-exams and regular dermatologist checkups are crucial. The ABCDE rule can help identify warning signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other
- Border: Edges are irregular or blurred
- Color: Varied shades of brown, black, or other colors
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: Changing in size, shape, or color
Skin cancer is largely preventable by adopting simple yet effective sun safety habits. If you plan on being outdoors, even on a cloudy day, it is extremely important to apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). Also, make sure you reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats adds an additional layer of protection from the sun’s harmful rays. Seek shelter or shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or ethnicity. Awareness is the first step toward prevention and early detection. By educating ourselves and others, we can reduce the incidence of skin cancer and protect our health. Remember... your skin is your body’s largest organ, make sure you take care of it!
If you have questions or concerns, please contact me, (903) 473-4580 or email Sarah.Latham@ag.tamu.edu. To view upcoming events or additional information please visit https://rains.agrilife.org/ or follow Rains County AgriLife on Facebook.
