Feb. 24, 2015
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer throughout the course of their life. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer; in fact each year the number of new skin cancer cases is larger then the number of new lung, breast, prostate and colon cancer cases combined. Despite the preventative measures instituted over the last 30 years the incidence of skin cancer continues to rise, and rise dramatically. Between 1992 and 2006 the incidence of skin cancer increased by 77%.
The reason for the increase in the incidence of skin cancer is likely due to multiple factors including the popularity of tanning beds, aging population, depletion of the ozone layers, and even an increase in physician awareness of the disease. However, during the same time frame, there has been a significant increase in the awareness of skin cancer and consequently there has been a corresponding increase in preventative measures. Despite these preventative measures, skin cancer incidence continues to climb. The increase in the annual rate of skin cancers, despite significant increases in the use of sunscreen products, is alarming.
Some factors associated with the development of skin cancer can not be changed. Certain individuals are simply genetically pre-disposed to developing skin cancer. Individuals with fair complexions, blonde or red hair color, and individuals with a family history of skin cancer are more prone to develops skin cancer. However, there are some factors that we can control. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun (both UVA and UVB) radiation is highly related to mutations found in skin cancers. In fact, up to 86% of mutations seen in melanoma can be related to solar radiation exposure. Certain chemicals like creosote and exposure to background radiation have been associated with skin cancers. Finally, some medications can increase your risk for developing skin cancer. Drugs that are photo-sensitizers, like tetracycline, and drugs that weaken the immune system, like prednisone, have been linked to an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
The best way to reduce your risk for developing skin cancer is to limit exposure to solar radiation. This is particularly important for individuals who are on medications that are either photosensitizing or individuals taking immunosuppression medications, individuals at high altitudes and individuals that have a family history of skin cancer or who are fair complected and prone to sunburns. First sun avoidance can be achieved by staying indoors, wearing protective clothing and finally wearing sunscreens. When it comes to sunscreen, I recommend using a zinc based sunscreen that contains at least 7% zinc and is water resistant. Zinc blocks both UVA and UVB radiation, does not tend to penetrate the skin and acts like a barrier that sits atop the skin reflecting solar radiation away from the surface of the skin, much like clothing.
