Dr. Truitt, a San Diego dermatologist and Mohs surgeon describes the three things you need to know about skin cancer risks, causes and treatment.
Treatable: Skin cancer is the most prevalent cancer in the United States! There are several different types of skin cancer, but Basal Cell Carcinoma is the most common and the most common cancer overall with over 4.3 million cases being diagnosed in the United States per year. “Whoa!” you say as these facts can be daunting, but skin cancer is one of the most treatable of all cancers with excellent cure rates. There are several different treatments depending on the type of skin cancer and the depth of invasion in the skin. Creams, Photodynamic Light Therapy, surgical excision, low penetration radiation, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery are all possibilities. Speaking with your board-certified dermatologist will help you determine the best treatment for your diagnosis.
Tied to light: What is the cause of most skin cancers? UV radiation, plain and simple. The sun’s UV rays trigger damage to your DNA (genetic material) leading to the inability to repair properly and overstimulation of certain cell pathways thus promoting skin cancer. Tanning beds can also deliver this same harmful radiation to your skin. Do you need a good base tan to avoid sunburns? No, this is a myth. A tan is actually your body’s cry for help as it is trying to protect itself, although not very effective with an SPF 2-4 which is what the release of melanin (pigment) from your skin cells can provide.
Teachable: The best way to reduce the frequency of skin cancers is to teach and educate. Start when your kids are young. Make the application of sunscreen and wearing sun-protective clothing as natural as brushing and flossing your teeth. As my dentist would say to me, only floss the teeth you want to keep; and as a dermatologist, I say to only sun protect the skin you want to keep. Try sprays and mineral sun sticks to make it more fun and less traumatizing for youngsters. Buy rash guards with “cool” sharks, surf boards, or ocean wave prints. Wear broad-brimmed hats and protective eyewear with the highest UVA and UVB protection. Avoid the peak hours of the day (10am to 3pm, but may be longer in different parts of the world) to avoid the harshest of rays. Limit your sun exposure time and reapply your sunscreen at least every 2 hours (maybe more if excessive sweating or water sports). Changing habits will save lives.
Follow my posts for more information on skin cancer types, sun protection tips and recommendations, skin cancer treatment, and reducing skin aging. Visit my website: Instagram: @dr.truitt_sandiego