Skin Cancer Prevention: 4 Steps You Can Take, Starting Now

Almost 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States each day. The good news is there are steps individuals can take to reduce their risk.

At his private practice based in Los Angeles, California, Dr. Trevan Fischer uses his expert skills as a complex general surgical oncologist to successfully perform a variety of cancer-related surgeries. 

Whether the concern is skin cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, or another issue, he uses cutting-edge techniques to diagnose and treat the problem.

Through his work on pioneering clinical trials at the The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Dr. Fischer also keeps up-to-date on the latest findings and advancements in the field and brings this knowledge to his patient care.

Skin cancer

Skin cancer occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells. It primarily comes in three types — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma — depending on the kind of cell it originates from.

Preventive steps

Skin cancer often develops due to skin cell damage from too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds and sunlamps. The key to prevention is protection from these harmful UV rays. The following actions can help.

1. Sunscreen and more sunscreen

Wear a broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen of SPF 30 or more daily, regardless of whether it's sunny or cloudy. When significant time is spent in the sun, don’t forget to use one that is water-resistant.

Apply one ounce (or two tablespoons) all over the body. This should be done 30 minutes before outdoor activities. Reapply after two hours spent in the water or sweating.

2. Avoid the sun

The sun is strongest around the middle of the day, so stay in the shade as much as possible between 10 am and 4 pm. 

If spending time in the sun is unavoidable, wear sun-protective clothes, including long sleeves and pants with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protection sunglasses.

3. Don't get sunburned

Nine in ten nonmelanoma skin cancers are related to sun exposure. Furthermore, experiencing more than five sunburns doubles the risk of melanoma. Pay particular attention to the environment, as water, snow, and sand can reflect the sun's rays, making them even stronger and more dangerous to the skin.

4. No tanning beds or sunlamps

Tanning beds and sunlamps can give off 10-15 times as much harmful UV radiation as the sun at its brightest. 

In addition, more people get skin cancer from time spent indoor tanning than individuals who develop lung cancer due to smoking. Anyone seeking a tanned appearance should use a self-tanning product (along with sunscreen).

While preventing skin cancer is the goal, knowing the signs to watch for is also important. If you see any new bumps or patches on your skin or if any existing moles change in size, color, or shape, get it checked by our team.

Whether you have noticed something concerning or have already been diagnosed with skin cancer, Dr. Fischer can help. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.