It seems like everyday we're hearing about what we can do to protect ourselves from cancer. All the information sometimes seems more daunting then helpful. But, while many cancers are hard to avoid, skin cancer is one of the most preventable and curable if treated early. Just by following a few simple guidelines, you can continue to enjoy outdoor activities while protecting yourself from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

Below are several factors that increase your risk for developing skin cancer. Please keep in mind that whether or not you fall into one of these groups, protecting yourself from the sun is still one of the very most important factors in preventing skin cancer.

Risk Factors

Moles: A normal mole can become malignant melanoma, so anyone who has a large number of moles is at a greater risk of developing this disease.

Family History: Ten percent of patients with this disease have a close family member who has had it.

Personal History: A person with any skin cancer (Squamous cell carcinoma or Basal cell carcinoma) has a 30 percent increased risk for melanoma.

Weakened Immune System: People who have organ transplants or are on immuno-suppressant medications, persons with AIDS, HIV or other cancers are also at an increased risk for the disease.

Skin Color: White skinned individuals are 20 percent more likely to develop melanoma than African Americans. Light colored eyes, hair freckles and people who burn easily are all at a higher risk.

Age: Skin's ability to repair sun damage decreases with age, so people's risk for skin cancer increases as they get older.

UV Radiation: Greater exposure to UV radiation greatly increases an individual's risk for skin cancer. Living close to the equator, having an outdoor lifestyle, using tanning booths or sunlamps and experiencing blistering sunburns in childhood are common risk factors for developing melanoma.

Now that you know how to determine if you are at greater risk for developing skin cancer, let's examine the physical changes that occur in a mole with melanoma. The most important thing to remember is that when a melanoma is detected at an early stage and treated, it is usually curable.

The ABCD's of Moles and Melanoma

A - Asymmetry: Most early melanomas are asymmetrical; a line through the middle would not create matching halves. Common moles are round and symmetrical.

B - Border Irregularity: The borders of early melanomas are often uneven and may have scalloped or notched edges. Common moles have smoother, more even borders.

C - Color: Common moles usually are a single shade of brown. Varied shades of brown, tan, or black are often the first sign of melanoma. As melanomas progress, the colors red, white and blue may appear.

D - Diameter: Early melanomas tend to grow larger than common moles - generally to at least the size of a pencil eraser (about 6mm, or 1/4 inch, in diameter). However, they may also be smaller.

Remember, checking your skin should be part of your medical regimen, and adults should schedule an annual check-up at a dermatologist office. The only way to diagnose a melanoma, with certainty, is for a qualified pathologist to examine tissue under a microscope.

Now that you understand the importance of skin care protection, you need to know how to best protect yourself and your loved ones.

Sunscreen: The best sunscreen is one that you wear daily! Your sunscreen should have a zinc oxide content of 6 percent or greater, because zinc will be stable in the light and not lead to sensitivity reactions. Most importantly, zinc blocks UVB and UVA long rays. Zinc is also a great sunscreen, because the dimethicone coated (Z-Cote) is both transparent and non-greasy, unlike the thick sunscreens of the past.

Protective Clothing: When exposed to sunlight wear protective clothing such as broad-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants and UV-protective sunglasses.

Summary:
While everyone worries about the prospect of cancer, it's important to remember that you can take a proactive role in protecting yourself and your family. Skin cancer is highly preventable by wearing sunscreen and protective clothing and staying out of the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) as much as possible. Furthermore, by keeping a close eye on moles and regularly seeing a dermatologist, skin cancer is usually treatable and even curable if found early.

For more information on this article, or assistance with your skincare needs, please feel free to contact us at advice@skintegrity.com.

About the Author
Deborah Farrell of Skintegrity is an RN with years of experience specializing in skin care. Skintegrity offers medical skin care products and skin care services for people looking for higher level skin care treatments.