As the temperatures warm up and the days get longer, it’s important to keep sun safety in mind as you enjoy time outdoors.
Dr. Chelsea Olson, a surgical oncologist with Regional One Health Cancer Care, said protecting your skin and taking advantage of screening can help keep you safe.
Even if you have past sun damage, prevention and vigilance can help prevent a serious diagnosis.
As the days get warmer and longer, don’t forget about sun safety!
As a surgical oncologist with Regional One Health Cancer Care specializing in treating melanoma and other skin cancers, Chelsea Olson, MD, DABS sees firsthand how excess exposure to the sun’s UV rays can lead to a scary diagnosis.
“The good news is that you can take steps to protect yourself and your family. Better screening and new research are making it possible to identify problems earlier,” Dr. Olson said.
Here’s what you need to know:
The key risk factor for melanoma and some other skin cancers is excess UV exposure from sunlight and tanning beds.
“You probably know wearing sunscreen is essential – but how you apply it matters too,” Dr. Olson said. “I recommend an SPF of 50 or higher. Read the bottle and follow instructions for reapplying the product. Usually, you need to reapply every hour or two that you’re in the sun, and more frequently when enjoying time in the water.”
“By protecting your skin and being vigilant about screening, you can manage your risk and give yourself the best chance of catching problems early,” says Dr. Chelsea Olson, surgical oncologist with Regional One Health Cancer Care.
Make sure you use enough to thoroughly cover your skin, Dr. Olson said. Cover all exposed skin: face, ears, arms, legs, feet, hands, etc. Don’t forget easy-to-miss areas like scalp exposed by a part in your hair, the backs of your legs, and tops of your feet and hands.
“Being consistent can be easy!” she added. “A lot of facial moisturizers include SPF, and that’s a great option for everyday protection.”
For those who don’t like using sunscreen or have trouble remembering to reapply, you can also wear clothing with built-in UV protection. “The fabric helps block damaging rays, and it’s an easy solution – you don’t have to remember to reapply!” Dr. Olson said.
Wide-brimmed hats that shade your face and ears are convenient and can help you stay cool.
“I always tell patients facing a new diagnosis that we can’t change the past,” Dr. Olson said. “We can’t erase our cumulative sun exposure or childhood sunburns, but there’s a lot we can do to prevent future UV damage.”
That’s where screening comes in. Proper screening can help catch melanomas and other skin cancers early.
The first step is being vigilant. Moles that are asymmetrical, feathered at the edges, a color other than light brown, or larger than a pencil eraser should be checked by a doctor. If a mole is growing or changing, it should also be checked.
“We recommend annual full-body skin exams for patients starting in their 20s or 30s who have had significant sun exposure or tanning bed use, and more often if you’re high-risk due to family or personal history, very fair skin, or numerous moles,” Dr. Olson said.
Dr. Olson recommends an SPF of 50 or higher. Usually, you need to reapply every hour or two that you’re in the sun, and more frequently when enjoying time in the water.
Part of Dr. Olson’s research involves circulating tumor DNA, or ctDNA. This is a marker in the blood used in many other cancers that is now being studied in melanoma.
“Our hope is that ctDNA can someday help us better predict recurrence risk of melanomas,” she said. “It may also help guide surveillance during or after melanoma has been treated.”
Regional One Health offers genetic counseling for eligible patients. “For patients who test positive for genetic markers linked to hereditary melanoma we discuss risk management options including lifestyle changes, enhanced screening, and preventive treatment,” Dr. Olson said.
“Our team understands that cancer is scary, and we want to empower patients,” she added. “By protecting your skin with clothing and SPF and being vigilant about screening, you can manage your risk and give yourself the best chance of catching problems early.”