How To Avoid Skin Cancer While Outside In The Sun
Exposure to UV radiation from the sun is a major cause of skin cancer.
There are three types of skin cancer that are most common.
The sunny climate and high altitudes of Hawaii put people at greater risk.
Following a few relatively simple prevention tips can help you stay safe outdoors.
Whether you live in Hawaii or are a visitor to the islands, you are probably eager to spend a lot of time outdoors. The beautiful sunshine lends itself well to activities such as surfing, hiking, and swimming. However, there is an uglier side to the weather in Waikiki. Sunlight contains ultraviolet radiation, and exposure to UV rays puts you at risk of developing skin cancer.
The risks associated with skin cancer are real and should be taken seriously. However, you do not need to lock yourself away indoors and never see the sun to avoid it. When you know the symptoms to look for and take steps to protect your skin from UV radiation, you can enjoy the outdoors safely.
What are the Different Types of Skin Cancer?
There are many different skin cancer types, but three occur most frequently.
Melanoma is the most dangerous type. Because of its ability to spread quickly to other areas of the body, it is responsible for 75% of all skin cancer deaths. Fortunately, only a small fraction of skin cancers turn out to be melanoma.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the middle layer of the epidermis, which is the outermost portion of the skin. It affects approximately one million people in the United States every year, with men being affected more often than women.
Basal cell carcinoma occurs in the deepest layer of the epidermis. Affecting approximately four million people in the United States every year, this is not only the most common type of skin cancer but also the most commonly occurring cancer in general.
These three types of skin cancer are very treatable if caught in the early stages. However, if cancer spreads to other areas of the body, the prognosis becomes more uncertain.
What are Skin Cancer Symptoms to Watch For?
Since skin cancer causes visible changes in the skin, it is easier for laypeople to recognize the symptoms than for some other types of cancers. In fact, the appearance of the suspicious lesion can indicate what type of cancer is present.
Squamous cell carcinoma typically appears as a flat, firm, red nodule. The surface of the lesion may be crusty or scaly.
Basal cell carcinoma may appear as a lesion resembling a flat scar and may be brown or flesh-colored. It can also appear as a bump in the skin with a waxy or pearly appearance.
Melanoma often appears as a dark-colored mole, usually containing different shades. A lesion that looks like a mole but changes in size, shape, or color could be melanoma. Melanoma can appear as a new lesion, or an existing mole that was previously benign may become malignant.
Doctors and laypeople alike can use the ABCDE rule to identify possible melanoma:
The lesion appears Asymmetrical
The edges are blurred or ragged at the Border
The Color is uneven and may contain shades of black, blue, brown, tan, red, or white
The Diameter is greater than six millimeters and keeps growing
The lesion Evolves in other ways, e.g., it starts bleeding or feels itchy
If you notice any skin cancer symptoms or changes in the skin that concern you, see a doctor in Waikiki as soon as possible. If the doctor believes that the lesion could be malignant, he or she can perform a biopsy to either rule out cancer or confirm the diagnosis.
What Can You Do to Prevent Skin Cancer?
There are some risk factors for skin cancer that you can do little about, such as a weakened immune system, a family history of skin or other cancers, or the color of your skin. People with fair skin are more susceptible than people with darker complexions because the skin pigment melanin protects against ultraviolet radiation. People who live in Hawaii may be at increased risk for skin cancer because of the sunny climate and the higher elevations in some areas.
However, you do not have to take drastic steps, such as moving away from Hawaii or avoiding all outdoor activities to protect your skin from cancer. There are many prevention methods you can use, and most are relatively simple.
1. Avoid Tanning Beds
Vendors of artificial tanning often advertise it as being safer than natural sunlight. However, exposure to UV radiation, whether directly from the sun or a tanning bed, can damage your skin and put you at risk for cancer. In fact, there is evidence that tanning beds maybe even more dangerous than natural sunlight because the intensity of UV radiation from artificial tanning is three times greater.
The perception that a tan is a sign of good health is a myth that needs to be put to rest. Tanning is a sign of damage to the skin from radiation exposure. Even if you do not develop cancer someday, it can cause wrinkles and other signs of premature aging.
2. Limit Time Spent in the Sun
The rays from the sun are strongest between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you can avoid being outside during these hours, it can go a long way toward limiting UV-ray exposure and preventing cancer. If you have to be outside during these hours, stay in the shade as much as possible.
3. Use Sunscreen Daily
Experts now recommend that you use sunscreen to protect your skin on a daily basis, especially in a sunny climate like Hawaii. UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, so this is an important step even on overcast days.
Not all sunscreens provide the same level of protection. To ensure that your sunscreen is adequate, you should check that it provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays and has a good sun protection factor. A higher SPF number amounts to more protection, and in a sunny climate such as Hawaii, you probably need sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Throughout the day, sunscreens gradually wear off. Reapply after sweating, swimming, and at two-hour intervals of time spent in the sun.
4. Wear Protective Clothing
A wide-brimmed hat can protect your face and upper body from UV radiation, while pants and long-sleeved shirts made of lightweight, breathable material can protect your extremities. Articles of clothing labeled for ultraviolet protection are even more effective at preventing UV radiation exposure.
5. Examine Your Skin Regularly
At least once a year, you should have a dermatologist or other doctor perform a professional examination of your skin to check for any changes or concerning lesions. You should also make a habit of performing a self-examination of your skin for suspicious changes once a month.
If you notice any skin cancer symptoms, you should see a doctor right away. If you do not yet have a primary care provider in the Honolulu community, Doctors of Waikiki can perform the examination and provide transition care services.
Featured Image: Leah Rae/Shutterstock