Sun safety and skin cancer prevention

Overview

Skin cancer is a disease where skin cells grow out of control. There are three main types: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Melanoma is less common but more serious. Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or from tanning beds. The good news is that skin cancer is often preventable and can be treated successfully when found early.

Yes, skin cancer is very common. Millions of people are diagnosed each year. It is more common in people with fair skin, but it can affect anyone.

Skin cancer can affect people of all ages, skin tones, and backgrounds. However, people with fair skin, light hair, light eyes, many moles, a family history of skin cancer, or a history of sunburns are at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A new growth or sore that does not heal.
• A change in an existing mole – such as size, shape, or color.
• A spot that itches, bleeds, or becomes crusty.
• A pearly or waxy bump, or a flat, flesh-colored or brown scar-like lesion.

Symptoms in children

• Skin cancer is rare in children, but any unusual mole or skin change should be checked by a doctor.
• Children with many moles or a family history may need routine skin checks.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults are more likely to develop skin cancer because of long-term sun exposure over their lifetime.
• New growths or changes in existing spots are common and should not be ignored.
• Older adults should check their skin regularly, including hard-to-see areas like the back and scalp.

Causes

Main causes

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
• Use of tanning beds or sunlamps that emit UV rays.
• Long-term, repeated sun exposure without protection (like sunscreen or clothing).
• Severe sunburns, especially during childhood.

Risk factors

• Fair skin that burns easily.
• Light-colored eyes (blue or green) and light hair (blonde or red).
• Having many moles (more than 50) or unusual-looking moles.
• A family or personal history of skin cancer.
• A weakened immune system (from illness or medications).
• Living in sunny or high-altitude areas.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you notice a new spot or a change in an existing mole that is growing, bleeding, or changing color.
• If a sore does not heal within 4 weeks.
• If you have any of the urgent symptoms listed above.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have risk factors for skin cancer, ask your doctor about regular skin checks (once a year or as recommended).
• If you are uncertain about any spot on your skin, make an appointment for your doctor to check it.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your skin history and examining your skin closely. They may use a special magnifying tool called a dermatoscope to look at suspicious spots. If a spot looks concerning, they will take a small sample of skin (a biopsy) to send to a lab for testing.

Tests that may be done

• Skin exam by a doctor or dermatologist.
• Dermatoscopy (using a magnifying device for a closer look).
• Skin biopsy (removing a small piece of the spot for testing).
• If melanoma is found, additional tests like imaging scans may be done to see if it has spread.

What to expect at your appointment

Most skin biopsies are quick and done with a local anesthetic (numbing medicine). You can usually go home the same day. The results may take a week or two. Your doctor will explain what the findings mean and what steps to take next.

Treatment

Treatment for skin cancer depends on the type, size, location, and how advanced it is. Most skin cancers are treated successfully, especially when caught early. Your doctor will discuss the best options for you.

Self-care at home

• Protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, and covering up with clothing.
• Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.
• Check your skin regularly for any new or changing spots, and report them to your doctor.

Medical treatments

Common treatments include surgical removal of the cancerous spot (excision), scraping and burning for some early cancers, freezing with liquid nitrogen, radiation therapy, and topical creams for superficial skin cancers. For advanced melanoma, treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be used. Your healthcare team will tailor the treatment to your individual case.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is the most common and effective treatment for many skin cancers. The doctor numbs the area and removes the cancer along with a small border of healthy skin. This is often done as an outpatient procedure.

Living with this condition

After treatment, you will need to protect your skin from sun exposure every day. This includes using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, and seeking shade. You should also continue to check your skin regularly and see your doctor for follow-up appointments.

Lifestyle tips

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
• Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid being outdoors during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables may support overall health, but there is no specific diet to prevent skin cancer. Regular exercise is good for your general well-being. Some research suggests antioxidants from foods may help protect skin, but the main prevention is sun protection.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A diagnosis of skin cancer can cause worry or anxiety about future spots or recurrence. It is normal to feel concerned. Talking with your healthcare provider, joining a support group, or speaking with a mental health professional can help you cope.

Prevention

Yes, most skin cancers can be prevented by protecting your skin from UV radiation. The most important steps are to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, avoid tanning beds, and seek shade. Teaching children good sun habits early can greatly reduce their risk later in life.

Screening programmes

Regular skin self-exams are recommended. If you have risk factors, your doctor may suggest yearly skin checks by a dermatologist. There is no standard screening test for skin cancer, but being aware of changes in your skin is key.

Complications

If left untreated

• Basal and squamous cell carcinomas can grow into nearby tissues and cause damage, but they rarely spread to other parts of the body.
• Melanoma can spread to lymph nodes and other organs, which is more dangerous and harder to treat.
• Untreated skin cancer can also lead to disfigurement or chronic wounds.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for skin cancer is generally very good, especially when it is detected early. More than 9 out of 10 people with early melanoma are successfully treated. Even for more advanced cases, newer treatments like immunotherapy have improved survival. By protecting your skin and checking it regularly, you can significantly lower your risk and catch any problems early.

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