Skin Cancer Prevention: Keep Your Skin Safe From the Sun

As we head into summer, more people are joining in outdoor activities to enjoy the warm weather. While these memorable moments are often filled with sunny days, prolonged exposure to the sun can raise the likelihood of skin cancer in individuals.

Dr. Frank Morocco, DO, OhioHealth Dermatologist shares that there are a few types of skin cancer to be aware of. The most common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell. These are usually found on exposed areas of the body, caused by an increased exposure to UV light and radiation. Melanoma is another type of invasive skin cancer that can spread throughout the body.

Dr. Morocco recommends checking your moles once a month at home to ensure there are no abnormalities. When examining a mole on your skin, it is important to take into consideration the ABCDE rule.

Asymmetry: The mole should appear symmetrical on all sides.

Border: The border of the mole should be smooth, not jagged.

Color:  A mole should be one cohesive color.

Diameter: The mole is not getting larger than a pencil eraser.

Evolving: Factors of the mole does not change over time.

“If you notice a mole you’ve had for a long time and you see any factors changing, that’s something that you want to have brought to the attention of your physician,” Dr. Morocco said.

One way to keep your skin safe while being in the sun is wearing sunscreen.

“We recommend anything SPF 30 or higher. Mineral sunscreen has been one that we like because it reflects the sun instead of absorbing the sun. You want to make sure they are broad spectrum, so that means they are covering UVA and UVB, you want to make sure it’s water resistant or waterproof,” Dr. Morocco Said.

While mineral sunscreen is preferred, Dr. Morocco says, “the most important thing is using it. Whatever sunscreen you like, as long as you’re using it."

Dr. Morocco says that kids should be using the same amount of sunscreen as adults. He also recommends UPF clothing, wearing hats, sunglasses and staying in the shade.  

A common misconception is that you do not need to reapply sunscreen, but according to Dr. Morocco it's important to reapply every two hours because of sweat and water. Dr. Morocco also emphasizes the importance of applying sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside to ensure it is absorbed into the skin properly.

Another misconception is that you don’t need sunscreen or can’t get burnt when it’s cloudy.  “Even if it’s cloudy out, we want to make sure we’re applying our sunscreen,” Dr. Morocco said.

For more information about skin cancer care at OhioHealth, visit Skin Cancer Care | OhioHealth.