4 Steps to Take If Skin Cancer Runs in Your Family
Having a relative diagnosed with skin cancer like melanoma can naturally be concerning. Read on to learn more about how that affects your risk and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Are You at Risk for Skin Cancer?
While too much exposure to the sun's damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to skin cancer, it is not the only risk factor. Several things, from genetics to lifestyle choices and more, can increase one's chances. Knowing your situation can help inform your behavior over the factors you can control.
Whether as a complex general surgical oncologist in his private practice located in Santa Monica, California, or his work on innovative clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute, Dr. Trevan Fischer understands and employs the most up-to-date treatment protocols and surgical techniques for multiple types of skin cancer and more.
Skin cancer 101
Skin cancer is the most frequently occurring cancer, with one in five people in the United States developing it by the time they are 70 years old. There are three main types — basal cell carcinoma (the most common), squamous cell carcinoma (the second most frequent), and melanoma.
Risk factors
There are several risk factors for skin cancer. They include the following:
Genetics and gender
Skin that is lighter in color can put an individual at greater risk. Having blond or red hair and blue or green eyes may also make someone more susceptible.
Having a large number of moles could make melanoma more likely, as can having a certain subtype known as dysplastic nevi. This type of mole may increase the risk by 10%.
If family members, particularly a parent or sibling, have had skin cancer, it increases your chances as well. Similarly, if an individual has already had skin cancer they are more likely to develop it again. Certain inherited diseases can increase the odds.
Men are at higher risk for certain types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (twice as likely) and squamous cell carcinoma (three times as likely).
Medical conditions
A weakened immune system can be a risk factor. Certain types of viruses like some kinds of human papillomavirus (HPV) can increase the risk as well.
Exposure to some chemicals like arsenic and radiation from cancer treatment can make skin cancer more likely, too.
Lifestyle choices
Exposure to UV rays from the sun and tanning beds is the number one risk factor, with odds increasing with the amount of exposure. In addition, age raises the risk, most likely because of the accumulation of exposure to UV radiation. Smoking is another prominent risk factor.
The key with all skin cancers is to control what you can, such as UV radiation exposure, and maintain vigilance by being alert for anything regarding your skin that is out of the ordinary. If you notice any new or abnormal marks, call our office today or click to book an appointment with Dr. Fischer.
You Might Also Enjoy...
What's This Red, Scaly Patch on My Skin?
Multiple conditions, including cancer, can cause red, scaly patches on the skin. Read on to learn more about the possible causes and what you need to know.
Should I Be Worried About a New Mole?
While not all new moles that appear in adulthood are cancerous, it is still important to get them checked by a medical professional. Read on to learn more.
Why Is Merkel Cell Carcinoma So Aggressive?
Merkel cell carcinoma is the second deadliest type of skin cancer because it grows and spreads quickly and often returns after treatment. Read on to learn its symptoms, risk factors, and more.
I'm Relieved to Learn the Lump In My Breast is a Fibroadenoma, But What Next?
Not all breast lumps are cancer. In fact, most are benign and include diagnoses such as fibroadenomas. Read on to learn what these masses are and how they are treated.
What's Involved in Melanoma Removal?
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. However, it can be removed by wide local excision. This minor surgery can often provide a cure when the cancer is found early. Read on to learn more.