Protection from skin cancer
With summer approaching and more time spent on outdoor activities like gardening, fishing, sports or going to the beach, skin protection should be on everybody’s mind.
Incidents of skin cancer are increasing at a faster rate than any other form of cancer, says Patrick Feehan, MD, of Dermatology Associates of Lancaster. But with careful skin protection and awareness of warning signs, it is preventable and treatable in its early stages. 
“Wearing a total block sunscreen (at least 30 SPF) is important to protect the skin from the sun’s rays, and it should be re-applied every few hours,” Dr. Feehan says. He also suggests that men wear a hat and appropriate clothing when outside, and seek shade when possible.
“You don’t have to hide from the sun,” he says. “Just use common sense.”
Once the skin is burned, there is no treatment to reverse the effects of the rays, adds Samuel Kerr, MD, of Hematology/Oncology Physicians of Lancaster a Lancaster General Medical Group practice. “People who have had frequent sunburns in their life are at a higher risk of skin cancer, so you want to avoid excessive ultraviolet light exposure,” Dr. Kerr says. He adds that people with light sensitive skin and blue or green eyes tend to be more susceptible.
Skin cancer caught at an early stage is treatable, and the earlier it’s caught, the less invasive the treatment.
Melanoma, the most deadly form, accounts for about 5% of all cases of skin cancer, but for about 80% of the deaths.
“We can cure melanoma if we catch it early,” Dr. Feehan says. “Fortunately, we’re talking about skin, the largest, most visible organ of the body. So it’s right there for you to see.”
Unfortunately it sometimes appears on less visible areas of the body, such as the back or the scalp, says Dr. Kerr. “That’s why skin exams by your family physician—and even by your spouse—are important to catch problems early.”
Unusual spots and skin changes, such as persistent red patches and areas that itch or bleed, can signal a problem.
“Sometimes the signs are subtle,” Dr. Feehan says. That’s why skin cancer screenings are an invaluable way to catch a problem early, when treatment is minimally invasive.
People at higher risk should schedule annual visits with a dermatologist. That includes people who have:
- more than 100 moles on their body
- an atypical mole identified by a doctor
- a family history of skin cancer
- frequent sunburns, and
- anyone over age 55.
Dr. Kerr recommends using the “ABCDE” method of determining if a mole should be tested for melanoma. You should check for:
- Asymmetry (an unusual shape) in the mole
- Border irregularity around the mole
- Color changes in the middle
- Diameter that’s greater than six millimeters
- Enlargement of the mole
“If it is itchy, bleeding or ulcerated in the middle, it should be checked,” Dr. Kerr says.
When caught early, treatment is often simple mole removal. Once the melanoma thickens and/or spreads, advanced surgery is necessary.
“The biggest problem we face is when people aren’t getting to us fast enough for treatment,” Dr. Feehan says. “If we can get them to pay more attention to their skin, we can win this battle.”
Additional information on this topic: