Summer is here! Since most of us will be spending more time in the sun during for the next few months, it's a good time to get educated on skin cancer risk factors, signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Many of these cancers can be prevented by protecting skin from excessive sun exposure and avoiding indoor tanning.

Risk factors

	Exposure to sunlight: Exposure to UV radiation, either from the sun or tanning lamps, increases risk
	Fair skin: People with fair skin, freckling or red or blond hair have a higher risk of melanoma
	Moles: Certain types of moles increase a person’s chance of getting melanoma
	Age: Chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer increase with age
	Gender: Men have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than women

Signs and symptoms

Patients experiencing any of these symptoms should consult a physician.

	Asymmetry: half of the mole does not match the other half
	Border irregularity: edges of the mole are ragged or notched
	Color: color of the mole is not the same all over
	Diameter: the mole is wider than about ¼ inch

Screening

To diagnose or classify skin cancer, a physician may conduct the following screenings to improve the chances that the disease is found and treated successfully at an early stage:

Incisional and excisional biopsies:, remove a wedge of skin to look at the deepest layer; whether by incisional biopsy which removes only part of the tumor or by excisional biopsy which removes the entire tumor

Shave biopsy: the doctor shaves off the top layers of skin

Punch biopsy: a round tool cuts through all the layers of the skin and brings up a sample of tissue

Treatment

If cancer is suspected, the patient will be referred to an oncologist who will conduct tests and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Our practice recognizes the
importance of comprehensive care close to home. We provide:

Comprehensive care, provided by board-certifi ed oncologists and experienced nurses and support staff

Precise radiation treatment, using leading-edge technology which provides fewer side effects

Systemic therapies, including chemotherapy, hormone, immunotherapy and bone-targeting treatments

Innovative clinical trials, providing the latest therapies through affi liations with The US Oncology Network, US Oncology Research and The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group

On-site support services, such as patient navigation, counseling, charitable assistance, nutrition planning and more

Prevention

• Do not use sunscreen as a tool to prolong your time in the sun.
• Cover up! Hats, shirts and sunglasses are the best protection.
• Avoid sunburn.
• Do not use a tanning bed or sunbathe.
• Protect kids! Early life sunburns are worse, so keep little ones out of the hot sun.
• Pick a sunscreen with strong UVA protection.
• Get vitamin D. There is speculation but not proof that adequate levels of vitamin D can reduce the risk of melanoma. But we know that vitamin D is good for combatting other types of cancer. Commit to getting screened for vitamin D deficiency.
• Examine your skin. Check your skin regularly for new moles that are tender or growing. Ask your primary care doctor how often you should see a dermatologist.

For a list of Environmental Working Group's top sunscreens for 2016, click here.

For more information, contact one of Minnesota Oncology's 11 clinic locations near you or learn more about our 60 physicians.