It’s true—anyone at any age can get skin cancer. It is also true that you can prevent it and catch it early if you are careful and pay attention.
Preventing Skin Cancer
Make sun protection an everyday habit. Skin cancer can occur in all ages. Individuals of all skin colors can get skin cancer.
All individuals should see a dermatologist like our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dean Goodless in Orlando, FL for an annual skin check. During this appointment you will also be educated on what to look out for and if a certain mole might change. Schedule an appointment at our dermatology clinic by requesting an appointment online using our secure form.
Reducing your exposure to UV ultraviolet rays can help keep your skin healthy and lower your chance of getting skin cancer in the future. Even on cloudy days, never go outside without some sort of skin protection. Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs if the weather permits. Use a hat to protect your head, and find sunglasses that wrap around.
Use sunscreen every day on any exposed skin with an SPF of at least 30 or higher. Don’t forget to apply it to your feet, ears, top of your head, and neck when you are going to be out in the sun for any length of time. Reapply if you go into the water.
Avoid artificial sources of UV light like tanning beds and sun lamps.
Sun safety is critical for children too. Protect them as you do yourself with proper protective clothing and sunscreen.
Don’t think that a cloudy, rainy day is safe. Don’t think a cold day out on the slopes is safe. Snow reflects the sun, as does the water if you are out on a boat or just on a beach.
Search out the shade whenever possible.
Who Is More at Risk to Develop Skin Cancer?
Anyone with the following traits is more at risk to develop skin cancer:
- Lighter skin color
- Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily
- Having blue or green eyes
- Having blonde or red hair
- Having a lot of moles especially more than 50
- Family history of skin cancer
- Having a personal history of skin cancer increases your odds to get it again
- Older age
If these qualities fit you, be extra careful to prevent sun exposure.
Signs of Skin Cancer
In addition to doing everything to prevent skin cancer, don’t forget about being aware of your body and paying attention to any changes to your skin.
One way to do that is to look for the ABCDEs of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
- A is for asymmetry or does the spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look different.
- B is for border irregularity.
- C is for uneven color.
- D is for the diameter. Is it larger than a pea?
- E is for a changing or evolving spot in the last few weeks or months.
Common signs of skin cancer are:
- a new growth
- a sore that doesn’t heal
- a change in an old growth
Skin cancers do not all look the same.
Pay Attention to Your Body
Check your skin regularly for any signs of the above. Do this at least monthly. If you discover something new or changing see Dr. Goodless for a diagnosis. It is much more advantageous to make an appointment and be told it is nothing to worry about, than to overlook something.
Skin cancer can almost always be cured if it’s found and treated at an early stage.
Some Skin Cancer Facts
- Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer.
- 20 Americans die every day from melanoma.
- Melanoma can show up suddenly or can also develop from an existing mole.
- Skin cancer can appear anywhere, but it is common on the torso, upper back, lower legs, head and neck.
See Goodless Dermatologyif you have any spot changing color, itching or bleeding.
And yes, anyone at any age can get skin cancer, but you can protect yourself and your family by paying attention to any changing spots on your skin.
Contact our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Dean Goodless at (407) 566-1616 to schedule an appointment for an annual skin check or if you have a concerning spot.