Skin cancers are increasing in epidemic proportions. Skin cancers represent nearly 1/3 of all newly diagnosed cancers each year in the U.S. The sun's rays, which contain ultraviolet A and B rays damage your skin. This leads to early wrinkles, skin cancers and other skin problems. Being in the sun often over time, even if you don't burn, can lead to skin cancer. A tan is the body's desperate attempt to protect itself from the sun's harmful rays.

Are tanning booths safer?

No. Tanning booths use ultraviolet rays. Makers of the booths may claim that they use "harmless" UVA rays, but these rays go deeper into the skin than UVB rays and may cause more damage.

Where is skin cancer most likely to occur?

Most skin cancers occur on parts of the body that are repeatedly exposed to the sun. These areas include the head, neck, face, tips of the ears, hands, arms, forearms, shoulders, back, chest of men, and the back and lower legs of women.

What does a normal mole look like?

A normal mole is solid tan, brown, dark brown, or flesh colored. Its edges are well defined and usually smaller than 1/4 inch in diameter. It should be flat or dome-like with an oval or round shape.

How can I prevent skin cancer?

1. Avoid being in the sun or using tanning booths or lamps.
2. When in the sun, wear tightly woven clothes to block out the sun and stay in the shade as much as possible.
3. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, neck and ears.
4. Avoid the sun, especially from 11 am to 3 pm, when the sun's rays are the most damaging.
5. Use sunscreen regularly and year-round to exposed skin.
6. Check your skin yourself every month for signs of skin cancer and report any changes to your health care provider.

The ABCDE rule for signs of skin cancer:

A - A is for asymmetry: A mole that, when divided in half, doesn't look the same on both sides

B - B is for border: A mole with edges that are blurry or jagged

C - C is for color: Changes in the color of a mole, including darkening, spread of color, loss of color, or the appearance of multiple colors such as blue, red, white, pink, purple, or gray

D - D is for diameter: A mole larger than 1/4 inch in diameter

E - E is for elevation: A mole that is raised above the skin and has an uneven surface

Sun Safety

A suntan may look good, but it is a sign that your skin is trying to protect itself from damage. You should never get sunburned. It can lead to premature aging, wrinkles and skin cancer.

When should I use sunscreen?

The American College of Dermatology suggests that sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 be applied year-round. Sunscreen should be used every day if you are going to be in the sun for more than 20 minutes. Sunscreen can be applied under makeup or you can use cosmetics that already contain sunscreen. Apply sunscreen even on cloudy days, 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays pass through the clouds.

What kind of sunscreen should I choose?

Choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. If you are fair-skinned and burn easily, use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure that the sunscreen is labeled for protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Select a waterproof sunscreen if you are going to be in the water of sweating a lot.

When, how much and how often?

Sunscreen should be applied to dry skin 15 to 30 minutes BEFORE going outdoors. It should take approximately 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to cover the exposed areas of the body properly. Reapply sunscreen every 60-90 minutes, even if the label states that it lasts longer.

Is sunscreen all I need to protect myself from the sun?

NO! Although sunscreens are an important part of sun protection, there are other important facts to remember. Avoid the sun between 11am-3pm and stay in the shade as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat when out in the sun. Wear tightly woven clothing that will cover as much exposed skin as possible. Sunscreen should be viewed as a back-up to primary means of sun protection such as shirts, hats, and sun avoidance.

How do I treat a sunburn?

In case you forget to cover up and apply sunscreen, the resulting sunburn can be dangerous. It may take up to 24 hours for the full effects of a sunburn to be obvious. First-degree sunburns cause redness and may possibly peel. These can be painful and can be treated with cool baths, bland moisturizers and over-the-counter hydrocortisone creams. Aspirin, taken orally every 4-6 hours may lessen early development of sunburn. Second-degree burns blister and can be considered a medical emergency if a large area is affected. If the burn is accompanied with headache, chills or fever, seek medical attention immediately. Be sure to protect your skin from the sun while any sunburn heals.

Does a sunburn have long-term affects?

A number of studies have confirmed that repeated sunburns substantially increase the risk of melanoma (the most deadly form of skin cancer). This is especially true for childhood sunburns because there is more time and opportunity for subsequent sun damage to lead to fully malignant melanoma.

Take care of your skin, especially in the summer months -- it has to last the rest of your life. Please e-mail any questions you may have about these or any health-related topics to our clinic e-mail address at studenthealth@umkc.edu.

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