Protect Your Skin from the Summer Sun

Skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States. Skin cancer may look like a new growth, a spot or bump that's getting larger, or a sore that doesn't heal. The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the cells that cover or line an organ, like skin. If caught early, basal and squamous cell carcinomas are easily treated with high cure rates.

Basal Cell Carinoma

Basal cell carcinoma accounts for more than 80 percent of all skin cancers in the United States. These types of cancer seldom spread to other parts of the body. Squamous cell carcinoma also rarely spreads, but it does so more often than basal cell carcinoma. Because they rarely spread elsewhere in the body, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers are less worrisome and are treated differently than melanoma–the most dangerous form of skin cancer.

Squamous Cell Carinoma

Know the Warning Signs
You can play an important part in finding skin cancer early.  It's important to check your own skin, preferably once a month. Learn the pattern of moles, blemishes, freckles and other marks on your skin so that you will notice any changes.

These characteristics are not definitive, which is why you should monitor your moles and report any changes to a physician. Friends and family members can also help by telling one another about abnormal areas of skin. Michael Ming, MD, a dermatologist and director of Penn’s Pigmented Lesion Clinic says: “Skin cancer is preventable. If you know how to protect your skin from UV radiation, you greatly reduce your risk. And if you have skin damage from the sun, being diligent with self-evaluations can help to decrease your risk of having a serious problem with skin cancer and increase your chances of successful treatment.”

The Pigmented Lesion/Melanoma Group
The Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania has one of the nation’s leading programs dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma. This group is committed to identifying and treating melanoma as soon as possible, as well as preventing it. The Abramson Cancer Center leads the way nationally in understanding the causes of melanoma, identifying the factors that contribute to increased risk and developing new and more effective forms of treatment.

Preventing Skin Cancer
Preventing skin cancer is simple if you know how to protect your skin. Practice sun safety by:

• Limiting your exposure to high-intensity UV rays when the sun is the strongest, generally from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Wearing protective clothing when exposed to sunlight. This includes long, dark colored clothes, sleeved shirts and hats with wide brims.
• Using sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, with a SPF factor of at least 15.
• Wearing sunglasses. They will protect both your eyes and the skin around your eyes.
• Avoiding tanning salons and sun lamps. The UV radiation they deliver can damage your skin and may increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

To schedule and appointment with a Penn dermatologist, call 800-789-PENN (7366) or visit Penn's Department of Dermatology.

	Need an appointment? Request one online 24 hours/day, 7 days/week or call 800-789-PENN (7366) to speak to a referral counselor.

Related Links