What You Can Do to Prevent Skin Cancer

Although basal cell cancer is common, experts say that it can be prevented. 

The American Cancer Society recommends having a dermatologist examine your skin every year (if you are over 40) or every three years (if you are between 20 and 40).

It is also important to do a self-exam at least once a month. You can use a hand mirror to check places that are difficult to see. Contact your doctor if you notice anything unusual.

Although these steps are very important, the best way to prevent basal cell cancer is to reduce your sunlight exposure. To achieve this, you should always use sunscreen:

• Apply high-quality sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30, even if you will only be outside for a short time.
• Apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas, including the ears and feet.
• Look for sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB light.
• Wear water-resistant sunscreen.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you go outside. Follow the package instructions on how often to reapply. Make sure you reapply after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Wear sunscreen in the winter and on cloudy days.
  

Other measures to avoid excessive sun exposure include:

• Avoid the sun when ultraviolet light is most intense: between 10 AM and 4 PM.
• Protect the skin by wearing hats, long-sleeve shirts, long skirts, or pants. Another option is to buy sun-protection clothing. You can get clothing with sun protection built in (this clothing is labeled UPF, ultraviolet protection factor).
• Avoid surfaces that reflect the sun, such as water, sand, concrete, or white-painted areas.
• Be careful at high altitudes, as the skin can burn quicker.
• Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds. Remember, spending 15 to 20 minutes in a tanning salon is just as harmful as spending a day out in the sun.

If you have new or suspicious marks on your skin, or itching or bleeding, you should consult a dermatologist immediately for a checkup.

How is basal cell cancer treated?

The treatment for basal cell cancer will depend on the size, depth, and location of the cancer, as well as the patient’s general health. Each treatment has its risks and benefits. Discuss with a doctor to see which option is best for you. The options usually include:

• Excision: Cutting out the skin cancer and stitching the skin back together.
• Curettage and electrodesiccation: Scraping off the cancer cells (curettage) and using electricity to destroy the remaining cancer cells. This is used to treat cancers that are not large or deep. Curettage is often done without electrodesiccation.
• Cryosurgery: Freezing the cancer cells, which destroys them. This is used to treat cancers that are not large or deep.
• Medication: Skin creams that contain medication. This is used to treat cancers that are not large or deep.
• Mohs surgery: Removing a layer of skin and immediately examining it under a microscope; then, removing more layers of skin until there are no signs of cancer. This is generally used for skin cancers on the nose, ears, and other areas of the face.
• Photodynamic therapy: Treatment that uses light. This is used to treat cancers that are not large or deep.
• Radiation therapy: May be used if basal cell cancer cannot be treated with surgery.
• Chemotherapy: May be used to treat basal cell cancer that has spread to other parts of the body or that cannot be treated with surgery.
• Biologic therapy (immunotherapy): Medications that are designed to kill cancerous basal cells in the skin. They are used when the usual treatments do not work.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology; National Library of Medicine; International Agency for Research on Cancer; World Health Organization; American Cancer Society.