May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness about skin health and the dangers of prolonged sun exposure. Since most skin cancers are linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, it’s essential to understand your risk and take proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Midwest Express Clinic encourages everyone to learn about the risk factors, practice prevention, and seek medical advice when skin changes arise. Read on to discover how to keep your skin healthy and reduce your risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
Understanding Risk Factors for Skin Cancer
Your skin — the body’s largest organ — acts as a protective barrier against harmful elements. However, various environmental and genetic factors can compromise skin health and increase cancer risk:
- Sun Exposure: UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer. While some sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, excessive exposure (especially without protection between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.) can lead to sunburn, premature aging, and cancer. This includes melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
- Skin Tone Doesn’t Exempt You: Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones. In darker skin, it may appear in less-exposed areas and can be harder to detect, which is why awareness and regular skin checks are important for everyone.
- Pollutants and Irritants: Environmental allergens, pollutants, and harsh chemicals in soaps or cosmetics can trigger rashes or worsen conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Genetics: A family history of skin cancer increases your risk. Some people are also genetically more prone to benign skin conditions such as warts or skin tags, which may require treatment if they become bothersome.
Midwest Express Clinic provides care for skin concerns ranging from rashes to skin tag and wart removal at all 50+ locations across Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland.
Types of Skin Cancer
Understanding the types of skin cancer can aid in early detection:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common type, often appearing as a shiny bump or red patch on sun-exposed skin.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A more aggressive form that may present as a scaly red patch or sore that doesn’t heal.
- Melanoma: The most dangerous type, often seen as a new mole or changes in an existing one. It can spread quickly if not treated early.
- Other Forms: Merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and Kaposi’s sarcoma are rarer but also serious and require professional evaluation.
Skin Cancer Facts to Know
- Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70.
- UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds is the leading cause.
- While people with fair skin are at higher risk, anyone can be affected regardless of age or skin tone.
Prevention Tips: Protect Your Skin
Prevention is key. Use these skin protection strategies:
- Apply SPF 30+ Sunscreen: Daily, even on cloudy days. Reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Including wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek Shade: Especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Avoid Tanning Beds: They emit harmful UV rays and raise cancer risk.
- Do Monthly Skin Checks: Look for new or changing moles, spots, or growths.
Recognizing common benign conditions is also important. For instance, skin tags are small, soft, and flesh-colored, while warts are rough bumps caused by viruses. Though generally harmless, any changes should be evaluated by a medical professional.
Common Skin Cancer Myths — Debunked
- Myth: Only fair-skinned people get skin cancer.
Fact: Skin cancer affects all skin tones. - Myth: Tanning beds are safe.
Fact: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation. - Myth: A base tan protects your skin.
Fact: It offers minimal protection and increases risk. - Myth: Only older adults are at risk.
Fact: Skin cancer can affect people of any age. - Myth: Sunscreen is only needed when it’s sunny.
Fact: UV rays penetrate clouds — sunscreen is needed daily.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Don’t ignore skin changes. Early detection dramatically improves outcomes. According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage melanoma has a nearly 99% five-year survival rate.
Seek medical attention if you notice:
- New growths or moles
- Changes in existing moles
- Persistent rashes or irritation
- Bleeding, itching, or sores that don’t heal
By spreading awareness and encouraging regular skin checks, we can promote early detection and potentially save lives. Midwest Express Clinic offers screenings, diagnosis, and treatment for various skin conditions, including rashes, warts, and skin tags.
Take Action: Keep Your Skin Healthy
Skin Cancer Awareness Month is a timely reminder to prioritize your skin’s health. By understanding the risks, practicing sun protection, and seeking medical attention when needed, you can reduce your chances of developing skin cancer.
Planning to be outside this summer? Don’t forget waterproof sunscreen, and take extra precautions when engaging in outdoor or water activities.
For expert care and treatment for common skin concerns, visit your nearest Midwest Express Clinic location. Find us at midwestexpressclinic.com/locations.
