Skin cancer is the most common cancer, even in New England. Take this short assessment to understand your risk.
Are we concerned enough about skin cancer? With the recent passing of Jimmy Buffett from a rare form, one of the most underestimated cancers is once again in the public conversation. And, while most still consider skin cancer the result of sun exposure, the reality is that you can live in a place not typically associated with sunbathing at the beach and still be at risk of skin cancer.
Vermont and New Hampshire are perfect examples of this misconception. Both states rank in the top five of skin cancer rates in the United States, even though you’re more likely to equate these places with snowy winters and football than flipflops and bodysurfing.
“It’s important even for residents of states that are not known for lots of sunshine to be aware of changes in their skin and consider screening,” says Joi B. Carter, MD, a dermatologist at the Dartmouth Cancer Center and Director of Dartmouth’s High Risk Skin Cancer Clinic. The center is a nationally recognized leader in preventative cancer screenings, and it is encouraging those who don’t typically think they’re at risk for skin cancer to get screened.
Know Your Risk Factors
The most important step in cancer detection, prevention, and treatment is to talk to your medical provider about your family history and current lifestyles and to get these crucial regular screenings.”
Joi B. Carter, MD
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Skin cancer: What’s your risk?
In general, Dr. Carter recommends you tell your doctor about any moles or birthmarks that have changed in appearances, size, or texture. Screening is also important for anyone with a family history of skin cancer.
It’s estimated that about one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. You can avoid developing skin cancer through awareness and annual screenings. Visit the Dartmouth Cancer Center website to learn more about skin cancer screenings.
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, with the number of Americans who have had skin cancer at some point in the last three decades estimated to be higher than the number for all other cancers combined, according to the National Institutes of Health. Plus, skin cancer incidence rates are rising, leading the National Institutes of Health to call skin cancer a “major public health problem.”
But there is good news. Most cases of skin cancer are treatable, or even preventable, through skin cancer screening. Understanding the factors that cause skin cancer, knowing your risk, and getting screened can help you avoid the perils of skin cancer, which can cause disfigurement and even death.
Knowing the risk factors of skin cancer can help you evaluate your need for screening. Here are the important risk factors for skin cancer:
Family history of melanoma. Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give the skin its color and can originate from an existing or new mole.
Five or more severe sunburns in any 10-year span. These are sunburns that cause pain lasting two days or more and/or result in blisters. Individuals with more frequent severe sunburns may be at higher risk for developing skin cancer.
Spending time outdoors without UV protection, like sunscreen.
Being blonde or redheaded.
Having blue, green, or hazel eyes.
Individuals with light skin that freckles or burns after being exposed to sunlight may be at a higher risk than individuals with naturally darker skin.
Use of tanning equipment.
Taking medications that suppress your immune system (for example, organ transplant patients).
“Screening for skin cancer involves tests by dermatologists that look for malignant, or cancerous, cells in the tissues of the skin,” explains Dr. Carter. “Your dermatologist will examine your skin for moles, birthmarks, and other pigmented areas that may be abnormal in color, shape, size, or texture. If you have an area of concern, a tissue sample from the area will be looked at by one or more pathologists under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present.”
Get Screened