Seven simple ways to prevent skin cancer after doctor shares shocking video of 'worst melanoma' he's ever seen
Every day, some 9,500 Americans learn they have skin cancer - yet there are some easy steps you can take to lower your risk.
The disease affects one in five Americans in their lifetime, with melanoma being the deadliest form - though it only makes up about one percent of cases.
And now, an Australian doctor has reminded us that not all melanomas look like classic moles; some can show up as fast-growing, red bumps.
Dr. John O’Bryen - aka @skincaredoctor on TikTok - shared a case of a four millimeter thick lesion on a patient’s arm that looked like a simple red lump but, under magnification, revealed dangerous white lines and odd blood vessels.
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The doctor claimed it was the 'worst' type of skin cancer he had ever seen.
He diagnosed the patient as having a nodular melanoma, a dangerous type as he said they 'grow quickly and cause the greatest fatality'.
Giving an update on the patient in the caption of his video, Dr O'Bryen wrote: "I performed an excisional biopsy of this and the patient will see a melanoma surgeon and medical oncologist."
With skin cancer being so common, it's even more important we do everything we can to protect our health.
From correctly applying sunscreen to self-examination, here are seven ways you can help prevent skin cancer, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF).
Avoid sunburn
Sunburn happens when too much UV light fries the top layer of your skin, making it red, swollen and sore.
Not only is in uncomfortable - and in some severe cases, a sign of sun poisoning - it also causes deeper damage to your skin.
Sunburn accelerates skin aging and is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma - the deadliest form of skin cancer, the SCF says.
Stay away from tanning beds
The SCF says you should avoid tanning in general, and never use UV tanning beds.
If you tan - indoors or out - you’re damaging your skin and raising your cancer risk. In fact, using indoor tanning beds before age 35 boosts your melanoma risk by 75 percent, the SCF reports.
UV rays from sun or tanning beds injure skin-cell DNA. Your body makes extra melanin - the pigment that darkens skin - to shield itself, which becomes your tan. But every tan adds up.
Tanning accelerates signs aging, including wrinkles, and age spots, as well as increasing your odds of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The only safe choice is to avoid tanning entirely.
Seek the shade
There are a number of ways to protect yourself from UV. One major way is by staying out of the sun and getting into the shade - especially between 10am and 4pm, when the sun is at its strongest.
Yes, even when it's a cloudy day or during winter - and especially at higher altitudes.
Cover up
If you're out in the sun, then it's best to cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
The SCF warns that hats are particularly important, as the most common types of skin cancer often appear on the head and neck.
Better yet, unlike sunscreen, you don't need to re-apply your clothes every few years. Unless your clothing gets wet - materials are less protective when drenched.
Sunscreen
Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, the SCF recommends using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher.
Apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Then, reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
Self-examination
We should be examining our skin from head-to-toe, every single month. Remember to document anything suspicious - either jot it down or snap photos on your phone.
The SCF recommends watching out for:
- A growth that’s growing or looks pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black or multicolored
- A mole/birthmark/brown spot that’s larger than a pencil eraser, thickening or changing in color/texture (remember the ABCDEs of melanoma)
- A spot or sore that itches, hurts, crusts, scabs or bleeds
- An open sore that hasn’t healed in three weeks
See a dermatologist
If you do spot any unusual changes, then head straight to your dermatologist.
Otherwise, you should see a derm once a year for a professional skin exam anyway.
Ellie Kemp