Skin Cancer: How to Self-Detect and 5 Tips to Prevent

Oncologist examining patient with magnifier in clinic. Cancer awareness. Shutterstock

Recent studies show skin cancer is prevailing in the United States and globally. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps are responsible for most skin cancer cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Besides seeking effective sun protection measures, research indicates that consuming caffeine and vitamin A can significantly decrease the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer yearly than all other cancers combined. More than 9,500 people are diagnosed daily, and more than two die from the disease every hour. However, when detected early, the five-year survival rate for melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, is 99 percent. Therefore, prevention and early detection are critical.

Common Types and Symptoms of Skin Cancer

The Hong Kong Anti-Cancer Society reports (pdf) that the prevalent types of skin cancer comprise basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (commonly known as non-melanoma), and melanoma.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most prevalent form of skin cancer is primarily found on the face and neck areas frequently exposed to sunlight, affecting approximately 60 to 80 percent of cases. The susceptible nose area accounts for 30 percent of all occurrences. In addition, the disease tends to occur more frequently in males than females.

Symptoms: Small, pearly papules rise to the skin surface, and upon closer inspection, one can see the dilated capillaries on their surface. The central area becomes ulcerated and develops a crust as the tumor grows and expands.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The second most prevalent form of skin malignancy, squamous cell carcinoma poses a greater risk to individuals with fair skin, low sun resistance, and a propensity for tanning. In addition, this type of cancer is higher in men than in women.

Symptoms: In many instances, symptoms involve the presence of erythema, small nodules, or ulcers, and they tend to grow rapidly and spread.

Melanoma

The third most frequent form of skin malignancy is an exceedingly dangerous type of skin cancer known to advance swiftly during its initial stages. As per statistical data, the condition predominantly affects the legs of white women, the trunks of white men, and the soles of feet, palms of hands, nail beds, or mucous membranes of individuals of Asian descent.

Symptoms: Rapid growth of hyperpigmentation or ulceration often occurs, occasionally with loss of pigmentation.

Detecting Potential Skin Cancer

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are typically curable; however, the treatment is costly and may result in scarring.

Melanoma, the most fatal skin cancer, has a grave prognosis. The average five-year survival rate for melanoma patients in the United States is 94 percent, but this figure jumps to 99 percent when the cancer is caught in its early stages. However, the survival rate plummets to 71 percent when the disease has infiltrated the lymph nodes and a mere 32 percent when it has spread to other distant organs. Therefore, early detection and treatment of melanoma are very important.

Most moles, brown spots, and skin growths may not cause harm, but this isn’t always the case. The following ABCDEs can aid in detecting potential skin cancer.

A symbolizes asymmetry. Most melanomas are asymmetric.

B symbolizes the border. Melanoma borders are irregular and may display scalloped or notched edges. Conversely, ordinary moles generally exhibit smoother and more even borders.

C symbolizes color. A harmless mole is typically a single shade of brown; a melanoma may exhibit diverse shades of brown, tan, or black.

D symbolizes the size or diameter of skin cancer. Typically, skin cancers measure larger than 0.6 centimeters (0.23 inches) in diameter.

E symbolizes evolving. Skin cancers are notorious for their rapid growth, often bulging within weeks to months.

If you are faced with such cases, it is recommended that you seek further confirmation from your doctor or opt for an early skin biopsy.

Which Groups Are Particularly Vulnerable to Skin Cancer?

According to the CDC, skin cancer is mainly caused by ultraviolet rays. Although the skin needs to absorb ultraviolet light to produce vitamin D and promote bone growth, overexposure to the sun causes redness and burning. It can even cause cells to become cancerous.

Anyone can develop skin cancer, but people with the following characteristics are at greater risk of developing skin cancer:

• Lighter-colored skin
• Skin that burns quickly in the sun, causing freckles, redness, or pain
• Blue or green eyes
• Blond or red hair
• A large number of moles on the body
• Family history of skin cancer
• Personal history of skin cancer
• Older age

How Can Skin Cancer Be Prevented?

Zheng Jie, who has a doctorate in medical science from the University of Tokyo in Japan, said in an interview with The Epoch Times that it is crucial to protect the skin and prevent skin cancer in daily life by:

1. Avoiding prolonged exposure to the scorching sun. When venturing outdoors, ensure that you have sun protection gear within reach, including sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, and good-quality sunscreen. It is recommended to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out and reapply it every two hours for optimal protection.

2. Steering clear of harmful chemical carcinogens like asphalt, tar, arsenic, pesticides, and similar substances.

3. Drinking coffee. Coffee helps to reduce the risk of basal cell carcinoma

According to a research study published in the esteemed journal Cancer Research in 2012, a team of researchers from Harvard Medical School analyzed data from nearly 113,000 individuals monitored for over two decades. Their findings revealed that women who consumed more than three cups of caffeinated coffee daily were 21 percent less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma than those who consumed less than one cup per month; under the same circumstances, men had a 10 percent lower risk of developing basal cell carcinoma.

4. Actively treating the primary disease. This is crucial. Individuals who have precancerous lesions like solar keratosis and xeroderma pigmentosum should receive early treatment without delay.

5. Maintaining a healthy diet. Vegetables and fruits rich in beta-carotene (which can be converted into vitamin A in the body) and vitamins can help prevent skin cancer. These include tomatoes, spinach, carrots, pumpkins, bell peppers, lettuce, and avocados.

According to a study published in JAMA Dermatology in 2019, a 26-year follow-up survey conducted on close to 125,000 individuals revealed that a higher intake of vitamin A and carotenoids through diet was linked to a lower risk of squamous cell carcinoma.

It’s worth noting that an excessive intake of vitamin A supplements can lead to adverse health effects, including the risk of osteoporosis, joint pain, and bone pain. The recommended daily allowance of vitamin A for adult males stands at 900 micrograms, while for adult females, it is 700 micrograms per day.