Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, both in the U.S. and worldwide, but it is also one of the most preventable. Protecting your skin today can dramatically lower your risk of developing skin cancer in the future, and catching it early can make treatment much more effective.
The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, and that about 90% of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 86% of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had more than five sunburns. These numbers highlight how important it is to make sun safety part of your daily routine.
Everyday strategies to protect your skin
Sun protection is not just for the beach or summer months. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends taking steps every day to reduce UV exposure and lower your risk of skin cancer.
A few key behaviors make a big difference:
Be smart about the sun
Seek shade, especially when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, UV radiation is intense and your risk of burning is higher.
Avoid getting sunburned whenever possible. Even a few severe burns over your lifetime can significantly increase your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Skip tanning and tanning beds
Tanning, whether outdoors or in a tanning bed, damages your skin. UV tanning beds deliver concentrated UV radiation that can increase your risk of all types of skin cancer. There is no such thing as a “safe” tan from UV exposure.
Cover up with clothing and accessories
Clothing is one of the simplest and most effective forms of sun protection. When you’re outside, choose tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts when possible. A broad-brimmed hat can help protect your face, ears, and neck, and UV-blocking sunglasses help shield the delicate skin around your eyes.
Protect babies and children
Newborns should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether. For babies over six months of age, use sunscreen on exposed skin and dress them in protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Early protection helps reduce their lifetime risk.
How to use sunscreen effectively
The Skin Cancer Foundation emphasizes that sunscreen is a critical part of a complete sun protection strategy, and using it correctly is essential
Choose the right sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For everyday use, select an SPF of 30 or higher. When you’re planning extended outdoor activities, choose a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
Apply enough, and apply it early
Most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen—enough to fill a shot glass—to cover all exposed skin. Apply it 30 minutes before going outside so it has time to form an even protective layer on your skin.
Don’t forget to reapply
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating. Even “water-resistant” sunscreens can wear off over time, especially with activity.
Self-exams and professional skin checks
Prevention also means catching problems early
Monthly skin self-exams
Examine your skin from head to toe once a month. Look for new growths, spots that change in size, shape, or color, or any lesion that itches, bleeds, or doesn’t heal. Check all areas, including your scalp, the soles of your feet, and between your toes
Yearly dermatologist visits
The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends seeing a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional full-body skin exam. A trained clinician can spot concerning lesions you might miss and can guide you on your personal risk and prevention plan.
Skin cancer care at WashU Medicine
If you notice a concerning spot or have a history of skin cancer, expert evaluation and care are essential. The Department of Surgery at WashU Medicine offers comprehensive expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer, working closely with dermatologists, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists to provide coordinated, patient-centered care.
Care at WashU Medicine typically includes:
- Thorough diagnostic evaluation, including dermoscopy and, when needed, skin biopsy to determine whether a lesion is benign or malignant
- Individualized treatment planning, which may involve surgical removal of the cancer, advanced techniques such as Mohs micrographic surgery for certain skin cancers, and coordination with oncology specialists for more complex or advanced cases
- Long-term surveillance and follow-up, with regular skin checks to monitor for recurrence and new skin cancers, plus counseling on prevention and sun protection strategies tailored to your lifestyle and risk factors
Surgical teams are experienced in managing the full spectrum of skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, from early, highly curable lesions to more complex or advanced disease that may require multidisciplinary planning and follow-up.
Patients benefit from access to state-of-the-art surgical approaches, thorough lymph node evaluation when needed and close postoperative surveillance to monitor for recurrence or new skin cancers. In addition, the team emphasizes education on prevention and early detection—reinforcing proven strategies in line with guidance from the Skin Cancer Foundation.Skin cancer care at WashU Medicine
Prevention is in your hands
Skin cancer is common, but you are not powerless against it. Building daily sun-safe habits, performing regular skin self-exams, and partnering with expert dermatology and cancer care teams like those at WashU Medicine can dramatically reduce your risk and improve outcomes if skin cancer is found.
By following the Skin Cancer Foundation’s prevention guidelines and staying engaged in your own skin health, you can help protect yourself and those you care about for years to come.