Skin cancer prevention: Insights from a dermatologist
Prioritize your skin health with these expert tips
Your skin is your armor — strong, resilient but not invincible. It’s the largest organ in the human body, protecting you from external harm and serving as a protective barrier against the outside world. However, with skin cancer dramatically on the rise in the United States and reported as the most common form of cancer in 2024 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it's more important than ever to take care of the skin that takes care of you.
Understanding skin cancer
Skin cancer arises from abnormal cell growth in the skin. The most common types of skin cancer are found in the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin that we can see) and include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma is the most frequently occurring type of skin cancer, while melanoma is known to be the most aggressive form.
Risk factors
Skin cancer can affect anyone, although certain risk factors, such as UV exposure or personal history, can significantly increase the likelihood of developing it.
Risk factors include:
- Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds or “sun beds”
- Family history of skin cancer
Reduce your risk of developing skin cancer
Follow these simple, everyday practices so you can protect your skin and still live life to the fullest.
1. Use sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen every day is the single most important thing you can do to prevent skin cancer. Find a sunscreen you like, preferably one that is mineral based with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for broad spectrum UVA and UVB coverage and less irritation. Make it part of your daily routine and reapply, even on non-sunny days.
2. Wear protective clothing
The sun's rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wearing sun-protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, rash guards and sunglasses can offer protection. Additionally, consider using an umbrella or wearing gloves on sunny days as an extra layer of protection, adding a “stylish” touch to your sun safety routine.
3. Practice year-round safety
Sun safety isn't just for summer — it's important year-round even during winter months. Whether you’re skiing on the slopes or working outside during the winter months, the snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV light, doubling your exposure. Make sure to continue to apply your sunscreen and wear protective clothing to reduce your risk.
4. Avoid tanning beds
Tanning beds significantly increase the risk of skin cancer. This form of tanning speeds up the aging process of the skin, causes eye damage that could lead to cataracts or ocular melanoma and can lead to DNA damage in skin cells.
5. Get regular skin checks
Going to regular skin checkups with a board-certified dermatologist once a year, or every six months if you are high-risk, is one of the best methods to detect skin cancer early. Your dermatologist will do a full-body inspection looking for suspicious moles, using specialized tools like a dermatoscope, a highly magnified-illuminated device, and will know exactly what to flag.
In between checkups, perform self-examinations at home. Check your skin for changes or abnormalities every few months and use a mirror to reach areas that are hard to see. Try using the “ABCs” method when performing a self-examination:
A = Asymmetry: Does one side of a mole match the other side?
B = Border: Is it irregular, ragged or smooth?
C = Color: Is it different colors?
D = Diameter: Is it larger than ¼ inch across? (About size of pencil eraser)
E = Evolution: Are there any changes in sizes, shape or color?
A final word
Your skin is an essential part of you and caring for it is a lifelong commitment. By taking preventive measures and staying informed, you can protect both your skin and your overall health. So, make sure to give it love every day.
If anything looks abnormal or concerning, consult with your provider or see a dermatologist right away.
To find a Providence dermatologist near you, visit https://www.providence.org/doctors.
Providence Queen of the Valley Medical Center
1000 Trancas St., Napa, CA 94558
providence.org/queenofthevalley
Erica Aronson, M.D., dermatologist, is on the medical staff at Providence Queen of the Medical Center.
