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.
Everything You Didn't Know About How the Sun Impacts Your Skin
Everyone knows that too much sun can lead to a sunburn, but did you know that it can also impact everything from appearance to overall health? Fortunately, some simple steps can reduce its impact while still allowing people to enjoy the great outdoors.
At his private practice in Santa Monica, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer employs state-of-the-art surgical techniques in the fight against multiple types of cancer including both breast and skin, as well as soft tissue sarcomas. He also remains up-to-date on the latest treatment protocols and cutting-edge skills by working on clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute.
Skin and the sun
Ask someone how the sun can affect their skin, and most people will answer by mentioning sunburns. That is not surprising, given more than one in three Americans report being burned by the sun each year. However, sunburns have other damaging impacts.
Sunlight exists in rays that are visible and invisible. Shorter waves such as ultraviolet (UV) light, including UVA and UVB rays, are especially dangerous.
Aging
The sun and its UV rays can enter skin cells causing damage, leading to early aging. Appearance-wise that can mean skin that is less elastic, discolored, and leathery.
While the skin tries to repair itself — think peeling after a sunburn — over time, excessive sun will result in additional lines and wrinkles. Sun-damaged skin may also bruise more easily.
Skin cancer
Even worse than causing premature aging, the sun can increase the risk of skin cancer by affecting the DNA within the cells. That damage can make cells grow quickly and divide, resulting in tumors or lesions that could be cancerous. In fact, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the world.
There are multiple types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma — the most serious. There are other less frequently occurring kinds of skin cancer as well.
Skin protection
To protect the skin, taking precautions when in the sun is essential. Limiting sun exposure is the primary form of protection. Spend time in the shade, wear protective clothing, and avoid the outdoors as much as possible between 10 AM and 4 PM.
If you must spend time outdoors in the sun, using the right sunscreen is important. Look for a type that offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of 30 or higher. Use water-resistant sunscreen and reapply every two hours or so — or sooner if you are swimming or sweating.
If you notice something new or unusual about your skin or have been diagnosed with skin cancer, call our office today or click to book an appointment with Dr. Fischer.
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