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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month.
By raising awareness and sharing facts about the dangers associated with ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun, the Skin Cancer Foundation hopes to save lives.
Fortunately, when caught early, skin cancer is one of the most treatable forms of cancer. With knowledge and awareness, we can prevent it.
Check out these skin cancer facts and ways to prevent the disease.
Skin Cancer Facts
Skin cancer is the most common cancer, in the US and the world. Here’s what you need to know.
- 1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer by age 70
- over age 50, more men than women develop melanoma
- in the US, 9,500+ people receive a skin cancer diagnosis every day
- 2+ people die of skin cancer every hour
- 5 or more sunburns during a lifetime doubles the risk for melanoma
- just 1 blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing skin cancer later in life
- early detection of skin cancer results in a 99% survival rate of 5 or more years
- there are more skin cancer diagnoses yearly than all other cancers combined
- ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a proven carcinogen and the leading cause of skin cancer
- UV tanning devices reclassified to Class II moderate to high risk for skin cancer, in 2014
- indoor tanning devices can emit 10 to 15 times more UV radiation than the sun at peak intensity
- the more one uses indoor tanning devices, the higher the risk for skin cancer
- overexposure to the sun causes 90% of skin aging
- using a SPF 15+ sunscreen results in 24% less skin damage
Skin Cancer Prevention
The good news is, skin cancer is preventable. It’s important to know that the sun reaches you even when you think you are avoiding it. UV radiation penetrates cloud cover and glass and bounces off of sand, snow and water. Additionally, sun damage accumulates over the years from simple daily activities such as walking outside, riding in the car, collecting the mail and playing outdoors with the kids.
Practice these tips to protect yourself.
- seek shade between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when sun is most intense. Note: during the morning or evening hours, 10 minutes of sunlight is good for our health.
- don’t get sunburned
- never use tanning devices such as tanning beds
- cover skin with loose fitting clothes, a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
- use a broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15+ sunscreen daily
- for extended outdoor activities, use a water resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen
- apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen over the entire body 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
- keep newborn babies out of the sun. Apply sunscreen to babies six months old and older
- examine skin from head to toe, including the scalp and hairline, once a month
- see something new, unusual or changing on your skin? Get checked immediately.
Foods That Help Prevent Skin Cancer
There’s growing evidence that highly nutritious foods can help prevent skin cancer. It’s simple, really. Eat as healthily as you can, including foods that are rich in antioxidants.
UV exposure generates unstable free radicals that create inflammation in the body. Those free radicals also damage cells and the skin’s DNA. DNA damage causes changes genetically, resulting in mutations that lead to skin cancer.
Antioxidants fight free radicals, preventing inflammation and cell damage. While supplements are helpful when nutrient rich foods aren’t available, for the best protection against free radicals, eat your nutrition.
Include the following antioxidant nutrients:
Beta Carotene
This nutrient, found in orange fruits and veggies, converts to vitamin A in the body. Not only does beta carotene help prevent skin cancer, it boosts the immune system too.
- carrots
- squash
- sweet potatoes
- cantaloupe
- apricots
- mangoes
Lycopene
This is the red pigment found in certain foods. Studies discovered that people eating foods rich in lycopene experienced 40% less sunburns. It also lowers the risks of other cancers besides skin cancer.
- tomatoes, including tomato products such as tomato paste or sauce
- red, orange and yellow peppers
- watermelon
- guava
- papaya
- apricots
- pink grapefruit
- Cara Cara oranges and blood oranges
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3s inhibit a chemical called COX-2 that causes skin cancers to grow. They also reduce inflammation.
- chia seeds
- Brussels sprouts
- algal oil – derived from algae
- hemp seeds
- walnuts
- flaxseed
Polyphenols
Drinking green tea helps prevent skin cancer due to its powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor properties. Polyphenols in green tea repair DNA in sun exposed skin, reducing cell damage.
Selenium
This nutrient lowers the risk of all types of cancers and decreases cancer deaths.
- Brazil nuts
- cashews
- brown rice
- lentils and legumes
- grains
- spinach
Vitamin C
This vitamin helps calm inflammation and contains properties that make it toxic to cancer cells.
- citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges
- berries such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries
- leafy greens
- broccoli
- green peppers
Vitamin E
A proven antioxidant, vitamin E helps to prevent damage from free radicals, absorbs energy from UV light and contains potent anti-inflammatory properties. It also improves the skin’s ability to act as a protective barrier.
- almonds and other nuts
- sunflower seeds and other seeds
- spinach
Zinc
Zinc keeps the immune system healthy to effectively fight cancer. It also activates antioxidants in the body and increases the level of proteins involved in DNA repair.
- legumes
- hummus
- chickpeas
- lentils
- black beans
Protect Your Skin This Summer
As summer approaches, inviting you to play and explore more outdoors, protect your skin with these simple tips. And stay aware of changes or any unusual spots on the skin.
Don’t become one of the 5 million cases of skin cancer diagnosed this year. Take care of your body and unite against this disease. Together we can save lives!
For more information, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation.
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I am not a medical practitioner. I study health and wellness related topics and share experiences from my own personal healing journey.