Related News

San Antonio Regional Hospital Recognized for Higher Quality and Cost Efficiency in Maternity Care

SARH Recognized for Higher Quality and Cost Efficiency in Maternity Care

Recognized by Blue Shield California with a Blue Distinction® Centers+ (BDC+) for Maternity Care designation....

U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 Best Hospitals

U.S. News & World Report High Performing Hospital - 3 procedures and/or conditions....

Essential Tips for Skin Cancer Prevention

The incidence of skin cancer is increasing world-wide. Cases of melanoma--the most serious type of skin cancer—are expected to rise from 104,960 cases in 2025 to 111,980 by 2030. Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basil cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, are also becoming more common. Skin cancer prevention is within your control by following some common-sense strategies.

What’s Fueling the Increase in Skin Cancer Rates?

Several factors contribute to the rise in both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer:

Increased Sun Exposure: More people are spending time outdoors, whether for recreation or work, leading to higher UV exposure.
Use of Tanning Beds: The popularity of tanning beds and sunlamps exposes individuals to dangerous levels of UV radiation, significantly raising skin cancer risk.
Increased Life Expectancy: As people live longer, the cumulative effects of sun exposure over a lifetime increase the risk of skin cancer.
Changing Fashion Trends: Clothing trends favoring tanned skin have encouraged more sun exposure and indoor tanning.
Ozone Layer Depletion: The thinning ozone layer allows more harmful UV rays to reach the earth’s surface and our skin.
Childhood Sunburns: Sunburns, especially during childhood, are a known risk factor for melanoma later in life.

Follow these essential tips for skin cancer prevention:

Practice Sun Safety

Most skin cancers are linked to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sun protection is essential year-round, even on cloudy or cool days.

To stay safe:

Check the UV index daily; if it’s 3 or higher, the CDC recommends you take extra precautions to protect yourself from the sun.
Avoid direct sunlight when UV rays are strongest:
- 10 AM to 4 PM during (Daylight Saving Time)
- 9 AM to 3 PM during (Standard Time)
Seek shade whenever possible.
Wear protective clothing that covers arms and legs
Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher.

Avoid Indoor Tanning

Indoor tanning (using a tanner bed, booth, sunbed, or sunlamp) exposes users to high-intensity UV rays, significantly increasing the risk of skin cancer, cataracts, and eye damage.

Key facts:

Indoor tanning is a known cause of cancer.
Contrary to popular belief, a “base tan” from a tanning bed is not protective—it’s a sign of skin damage.
Tanning bed accidents can cause serious injury, sending over 3,000 people to the emergency room each year.

Schedule Regular Skin Checks

Early detection saves lives. Regular skin checks, both at home and by a dermatologist are essential for early identification and treatment of skin cancer.

Early detection of melanoma (before it spreads), results in a five-year survival rate of 99%.
Dermatologists can identify suspicious moles or lesions that may be easy to overlook during self-examination.
Establishing a baseline skin check helps your dermatologist track any changes over time.
Knowing your skin has been professionally examined can alleviate anxiety about potential skin issues and offer peace of mind.

In summary, while skin cancer rates are rising, the good news is that most cases are preventable when caught early. Protecting your skin from UV rays, avoiding indoor tanning, and scheduling regular skin checks are simple but powerful steps toward safeguarding your health!

Help us deliver outstanding care to our community.

Join the San Antonio Care Team.

Join the Team