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It's that time of year when temperatures start to rise and Americans eagerly leave their homes for much-needed vitamin D.
But ahead of summer, health experts are warning of the effects of too much sun exposure.
"Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States," says Dr. Susan Masick, assistant professor of dermatology at Wexner Medical Center in Ohio. Skin cancer is "somewhat preventable and related to the amount of sun exposure people get."
© Marina Demeshko, Getty Images/iStockphoto Large mole on neck of young woman, enlarged against gray background. The effect of sunlight on the skinStart the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox every morning.
Here's what the experts want you to know about skin cancer, including its symptoms, risks, and how to prevent it.
The most common type of skin cancer
Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma of the skin
The American Cancer Society reports that this cancer occurs most often in areas exposed to the sun, such as the head, neck, and arms. Although they are common, they are usually treatable too.
The top layer of skin, called the epidermis, contains squamous and basal cells. According to the American Cancer Society, about 8 out of 10 skin cancers are basal cell. Although it rarely spreads to other parts of the body, it can return in the same place on the skin if not removed completely.
melanoma skin cancer
According to the American Cancer Society, melanoma is much rarer than other types of skin cancer, but it can be dangerous because it's more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not treated early.
It occurs when cells called melanocytes, which produce the brown pigment melanin and give skin its brown or brown hue, grow out of control.
Although melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin, it most often starts on the chest and back, legs, or neck and face.
Continue reading. mRNA vaccines show promise for preventing melanoma skin cancer
basal cell carcinoma. Biden removed tissue from a common skin cancer
Who should be screened for skin cancer?
The US Preventive Services Task Force said more research was needed before recommending routine skin cancer screening for adults and adolescents with no risk factors and no symptoms, according to the latest guidelines released Tuesday.
Experts say if you are at higher risk of developing skin cancer, you should have regular checkups. This includes if you have:
- Personal history of basal or squamous cell carcinoma or family history of melanoma
- Multiple birthmarks or atypical birthmarks with jagged edges, different colors or asymmetry.
- Some areas of actinic keratosis, which are gray or scaly patches on areas of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun.
skin cancer risk factors
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say anyone can get skin cancer, but people with certain characteristics may be at higher risk than others. This includes people with:
- fair skin
- Skin that burns, freckles, blushes easily, or burns in the sun
- Blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair
- Lots of moles
- High age
People who tend to work outdoors or are constantly exposed to the sun are also at higher risk of developing skin cancer and may want to have regular checkups, says Masick.
Signs and symptoms of skin cancer
According to the Cancer Center, skin cancer is usually asymptomatic in its early stages. MD University of Texas Anderson, but some symptoms may include:
►Suspicious stains. These can be new stains or old stains that change size, shape or color. The lump may also be itchy or painful, scaly, or red and rough.
► Other skin conditions such as:
- Sores that don't heal, bleed, or harden
- A bright red or flesh-colored rash on the skin
- Growth with raised edges and crusting or central bleeding
- Wart Growth
- Growth of scars without clear boundaries
Massick recommends regularly noticing or photographing visible changes in the skin. "Cellphone cameras are so effective they are a great way to track moles."
How to prevent skin cancer
Experts recommend avoiding tanning at home, leading a healthy lifestyle and taking sun protection measures such as:
- stay in the shadows
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, head, ears and neck.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UVA and UVB rays.
- Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.
"Like others, we want to live a healthy lifestyle," said Masik. "Don't smoke, stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet."
Hugh Jackman said he did a biopsy to check for skin cancer
What sunscreen is safe to use?
In recent years, popular sunscreen brands have voluntarily recalled some products after tests showed they were contaminated with a cancer-causing chemical called benzene. Although benzene isn't listed as an ingredient in sunscreen, experts say the product may have been contaminated during the manufacturing process.
"This appears to be the case with aerosol sunscreens, and sunscreen manufacturers are very knowledgeable and focused on testing to ensure there are no contaminants," says Massick.
Withdrawal of sunscreen. Banana Boat extends recall of benzene sunscreen
In addition to sprays, consumers may be wary of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, a chemical that is easily absorbed by the skin, according to the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit advocacy group.
Research shows oxybenzone can cause health problems, and the Food and Drug Administration has requested more data on exposure to the chemical through skin absorption and possible allergic reactions, the nonprofit said.
Massick recommends using a mineral sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or both.
"The ingredients in sunscreen are non-carcinogenic and very safe to use, and a side effect of not using it is the risk of skin cancer from the sun itself," he says.
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Follow Adrianna Rodriguez on Twitter @AdriannaUSAT.
Patient health and safety at USA TODAY is made possible in part by a grant from the Masimo Healthcare Ethics, Innovation and Competition Foundation. The Massimo Foundation does not provide any editorial information.
This article originally appeared on US TODAY. Should I be screened for skin cancer? As summer approaches, here's what you need to know.