8 RiversideHealthcare.org Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and worldwide. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. And more than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can protect yourself from developing skin cancer—as well as detect skin cancer before it turns dangerous. Katie Van Hoveln, family nurse practitioner at Riverside Healthcare Watseka Campus, shares key information on skin cancer awareness and prevention. Why does skin cancer form? Skin cancer occurs when cells in the epidermis start to grow out of control. This happens when the cell is damaged by UV rays, which cause a mutation in the cell. There are many different types of skin cancer, with the most common being basal cell carcinoma (BCC). “Most of the time, basal cell carcinoma is treatable, especially when it’s caught early,” Van Hoveln says. On the other end of the spectrum is melanoma, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer. An estimated 207,390 cases of melanoma were diagnosed in the U.S. in 2021, of which 101,280 cases were invasive—penetrating the epidermis, deeper into the skin’s second layer. Key risk factors Individuals who have lighter skin tones, as well as green or blue eyes and blonde or red hair, are more likely to develop skin cancer over their lifetime. Those who have a family or personal history of skin cancer are also more at risk. But anyone who has had a sunburn—or multiple sunburns—is at an overall increased risk, regardless of other factors. Having five or more sunburns doubles one’s risk for melanoma. Prevention tips Van Hoveln says the best way to prevent skin cancer is to limit exposure to UV rays. “First and foremost, avoid tanning beds altogether,” she says. “You can absolutely lower your risk by avoiding those.” Take care Katie Van Hoveln, NP-C Skin cancer awareness and prevention measures of the skin you’re in
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODQ1MTY=