Published on May 02, 2024

Shielding Your Skin: Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin Cancer Awareness Month Logo

May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

According to estimates made from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program, 100,640 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma and about 78,290 people (about the seating capacity of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum) will die of the disease in 2024.

The major cause of melanoma is UV light exposure. People with lighter skin, lighter hair color and light-colored eyes have a higher risk for melanoma and other sun-related skin cancers.

By taking proactive steps to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer. Here are some essential strategies for preventing skin cancer:

  • Limit Sun Exposure: UV radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer. Whenever possible, limit your time in the sun, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you need to be outdoors, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or awnings.
  • Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. Don't forget to cover often-overlooked areas like the ears, lips, back of the neck, and tops of the feet.
  • Wear Protective Clothing: Cover up with lightweight, tightly woven clothing that provides protection from UV rays. Wide-brimmed hats can shade your face, ears, and neck, while sunglasses with UV protection shield your eyes from harmful rays.
  • Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds emit UV radiation similar to the sun, increasing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Opt for safer alternatives like self-tanning products if you desire a tan appearance.
  • Perform Skin Self-Exams: Regularly examine your skin from head to toe, looking for any changes in moles, freckles, or other spots. Pay attention to the ABCDEs of melanoma: asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, large diameter, and evolving size, shape, or color.
  • Seek Shade: When outdoors, seek shade whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours. Shade from trees, umbrellas, or buildings can provide valuable protection from harmful UV rays.
  • Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is essential for healthy skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated and maintain its natural protective barrier.
  • Know Your Risk Factors: Factors such as fair skin, a history of sunburns, a family history of skin cancer, and excessive sun exposure increase your risk of developing skin cancer. Understanding your risk factors can help you take appropriate precautions and seek regular skin cancer screenings.

The best way to detect melanoma early is to be vigilant, says Dr. Hugo Hool, a board-certified oncologist and hematologist and director of the Hunt Cancer Institute at Torrance Memorial.

Individuals should watch for any growing dark skin spot or area that changes in color, bleeds, or becomes irregular in shape. Moles greater than 6 millimeters (about 0.24 inches)—about the size of a pencil eraser—should be checked by a doctor. Itching, pain, or bleeding from the skin, with or without a visible lesion, is a concern.

Make sure to speak to your dermatologist about any concerns you may have about skin cancer and ask for a full-body scan.

For more information on melanoma, the warning signs and treatments available at Torrance Memorial, please visit click HERE.