Boulder Medical Center Dermatology
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. There are several forms of skin cancer. Basal and squamous cell cancers are the most common forms and are strongly related to the amount of sun exposure. These are less likely to be life-threatening but still need to be treated immediately.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 65-90% of melanoma is caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Extended exposure to ultraviolet light, which comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps, causes the skin to change texture, age prematurely, and lead to skin cancer. Rates of melanoma have been increasing rapidly in the United States. The American Cancer Society predicts that nearly 73, 870 Americans are newly diagnosed with melanoma and about 9,940 people will die of the disease annually.
Indoor Tanning
One of the most significant ways to increase your risk for melanoma skin cancer (by 75%) is indoor tanning use. The more hours spent tanning, the greater the risk, according to a study conducted by the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR).
Precautions
Help protect yourself from skin cancer by having your skin examined yearly and doing monthly self-skin examinations for any new moles or changes, using the ABCDEs. Here are some important tips to remember to keep your skin healthy:
- Use sunscreen daily with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide
- Avoid mid-day sun
- Use sun protective clothing
- Wear sunglasses/hats
- Most importantly, avoid indoor tanning bed use