Blog

Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

April 29, 2019
By: Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is characterized as a disease in which cells in your body grow out of control, with it being one of the more common types of cancer in the United States.

The two most common types of skin cancer are basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinoma, or BCC, are the most frequent forms of skin cancer. They appear as abnormal, uncontrolled growths and lesions that lift away from the lining between the deepest layer of your skin and the epidermis. Depending on location and melanin, these lesions are often pink, with red patches. BCC rarely spread and seldom does it metastasizes on other parts of the bother. This leads to a diagnosis that isn't dire, with most BCC lesions being surgically removed, with smaller lesions extracted with the help of a curettage.

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most popular, with it appearing in areas that tend to be exposed to UV rays, including the head, neck, upper back, lips, arms, and legs. While it is a slow-growing cancer, it can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes and bones. It's evasive, making it hard to treat is not diagnosed early enough.

Preventing Skin Cancer

To know how to prevent the formation of skin cancer, you'll need to be able to recognize factors that contribute to their manifestation. Here are risk factors for skin cancer:

  • Repeated Exposure To UV Rays During Peak Hours. The sun is highest in the sky between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. To protect yourself, try to avoid extended exposure to the sun during this window of time. Take advantage of shade, hats, and sunscreen of at least 20 SPF to protect your skin.
  • Unprotected, fair skin. While any skin color can form cancerous cells, fairer skin groups tend to be at risk due to a lack of melanin, which helps protect against UV radiation. A diligent suncare routine is important with this skin group.
  • Exposure to arsenic matter. Exposure to known arsenic raises the risks of skin cancer. Arsenic is a type of heavy metal that is sometimes used on unregulated products, as well as many insecticides. Workers who work closely to coal, industrial tar, and paraffin are at an increased risk.
  • Carelessness near water, snow, and sand. These surfaces are highly reflective, and can actually intensify exposure to UV radiation. Make it a habit to include sunscreen in your skincare routine, even during the winter months or when partaking in watersports during the summer months. Water-resistant formulation will help protect your skin.

Dermatology Consultants of Frisco

Precancerous conditions can manifest as irregular growths that can eventually develop into skin cancer. If not treated, they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma. If you notice lesions, skin growths, or spots that you haven't noticed before, contact us. We'll be able to remove growths, as well as help you with tips to decrease your exposure to UV radiation.