We all enjoy being outside on beautiful spring and summer days, and some sun exposure is needed for health to help create essential vitamin D3, as well as to regulate your circadian rhythm. Regular overexposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun can increase your risk for skin cancer. This season when you enjoy the outdoors and sunshine, prevent sun overexposure to reduce your risk.
In twenty years there has been a 54% increase in the melanoma rate in USA, and in 2019 there were 92,000 people diagnosed with a new case of melanoma (rate of 23.4 cases per 100,000 population).
What is skin cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which cells in the body grow out of control. When cancer starts in the skin, it is called skin cancer. Overexposure to high-energy ultraviolet light can cause damage to DNA in skin cells, leading to mutations which contribute to the development of various cancers. The natural skin pigment called melanin does offer some protection to DNA to prevent mutations, so people with less melanin have less protection. Skin cancers do develop in people of all skin types, but are at highest rates in lighter skin types. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common types of skin cancer. They begin in the basal and squamous layers of the skin, respectively. Melanoma, the third most common type of skin cancer, begins in the melanocytes
What are the risk factors for skin cancer?
· Lighter natural skin color
· Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
· Blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair
· Certain types and a large number of moles
· A family history of skin cancer
· A personal history of skin cancer
· Older age
What Are the Symptoms of Skin Cancer?
A change in your skin is the most common sign of skin cancer. This could be a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a change in a mole. Not all skin cancers look the same. For melanoma specifically, a simple way to remember the warning signs is to remember the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma—
· Asymmetrical: Does the mole or spot have an irregular shape with two parts that look very different?
· Border: Is the border irregular or jagged?
· Color: Is the color uneven?
· Diameter: Is the mole or spot larger than the size of a pea?
· Evolving: Has the mole or spot changed during the past few weeks or months?
Talk to your doctor if you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, or any of the A-B-C-D-Es of melanoma.
What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer?
· Practice Sun Safety - limit direct exposure so you do not burn, avoid brightest times (10am-2pm), use sunscreen, wear hat and cover skin
· Avoid Indoor Tanning - tanning beds, booth, sunbed, or sunlamp to darken the skin) exposes users to high levels of UV rays.
· Screen Skin Regularly - You should regularly screen yourself - Also, people who have risk factors should be regularly screened by a dermatologist
Are there any supplements that can reduce skin cancer risk?
There is some evidence and recommended by dermatologists, that foods/supplements that contain Vitamin C, E and A, Zinc, Selenium, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, lycopene and polyphenols can help prevent skin cancer. For example studies show daily intake from selenium in just two Brazil nuts reduces cancer risk by 31% and a 40% lower risk from cancer death. Vitamin D3 has also been shown to lower melanoma risk. (https://www.skincancer.org/blog/can-your-diet-help-prevent-skin-cancer/ ).
Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) has been shown in studies to reduce basal cell and squamous cell cancers by 23% after 1 year of daily intake. Vitamin B3 may also reduce the risk of formation of precancerous skin conditions like actinic keratosis. (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4570055/)
Resources
· Skin cancer statistics | World Cancer Research Fund
· https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/in-depth/melanoma/art-20546856
Life is precious and every day is a gift! Dr Jerry
Jerry Strohkorb, MD MPH FACOEM