May is Skin Safety Awareness Month. And while Nevada isn't as rife with skin cancer diagnoses as other states — we're 33rd in the U.S. — we're expected to see more than a thousand new cases by the end of the year.
So how best to protect yourself from what has been officially a public health crisis for the last 11 years? Here's some guidance:
- See something, say something: Use the ABCDE rubric to determine whether a skin marking should be examined by a doctor. Dr. Matthew Schwartz of Comprehensive Cancer Centers explains: "Are those spots and moles asymmetric, or are they round? Do they have irregular borders? Is the color the same, or is the mole a different color and diameter? In general, if the mole starts to become bigger, like bigger than the head of a pencil, that could be something that you might be worried about. And then [there's] evolution, which is, is [the mole] changing? Is it causing symptoms like itchiness or pain?"
- Get scanned, man: Schedule an annual body scan by a dermatologist or other appropriate doctor. "A lot of times, doctors will find suspicious skin lesions that end up sometimes being cancer," says Dr. Schwartz.
- Don't assume you're immune: Unlike some cancers that elude or can't affect certain people, skin cancer affects everyone. "There is a myth that it only affects people who are fair or white ... but it affects all races, all socioeconomic statuses," says Dr. Manoj Sharma, a UNLV professor and public health physician.
- Lotion's 11 (more like 30): "The best sunscreen is the one you've got on," says Dr. Schwartz, though he recommends "SPF 30 or above, one that doesn't cause any irritations or allergies and that you're comfortable with." Which could be either chemical- or mineral-based products — or a combination of the two, like the kind Comprehensive Cancer Centers distributes at more than 100 outdoor locations in Southern Nevada.
- 'Block clocking: You should apply 20-30 minutes before going outside, as sunblock takes at least 15 minutes to absorb into the skin. And as for when to put it on: However long it takes for your skin to turn red. "Once you're out there more than 20 or 30 minutes, [the sun] can be not only damaging to your skin, but [also] risky for your health," says Dr. Schwartz.
- If sunscreen is out of reach: Dr. Schwartz also recommends dressing in long sleeves and pants, and adding a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face and neck. Or, limit your sun exposure whenever possible.
- Underestimate skin cancer at your peril: The disease represents 40 percent of cancer diagnoses worldwide. And it's not only a physical and mental burden on its sufferers, but an economic one as well, says Dr. Sharma. But skin cancer is also the most preventable, and easily treatable when caught early.
Guests: Dr. Matthew Schwartz, radiation oncologist, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada; Dr. Manoj Sharma, professor and founding chair, UNLV’s Social and Behavioral Health Department
