As the summer sun continues to shine, we must acknowledge how to protect our largest organ from the sun’s welcoming yet damaging light. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), thus it is imperative to protect yourself from UV exposure which the salient cause of skin cancer. Here an overview of cancer in general, prevalent skin cancer types (with images), and tips for UV protection will be discussed.
What is Cancer?
Cancer is essentially fast, uncontrolled cell growth. It starts locally, isolated to one area, and hijacks the bloodstream or lymphatic system to move further out (this process is referred to as metastasis). Lymph fluid flows through vessels similar to blood vessels, protecting you from infection and providing nutrients to your body’s many tissues. Benign tumors are often understood to be cancer although they are not; cancer occurs as a result of tumors that spread to other locations, near and far, and continue to grow. Benign tumors are a collection of fast-growing, abnormal cells that do not spread. Additionally, cancer cells, and benign tumor cells, accrue DNA damage as a result of their quick division, with parts of chromosomes (where DNA is stored) being relocated or deleted in the cell. Tumor cells can do this because they evade detection by the immune system, being recognized as normal. Cancer can occur in any tissue type, even white blood cells and the bone marrow that produces them. Leukemia is cancer of the bone marrow, lymphoma is cancer of white blood cells, and multiple myeloma is cancer of the immune system’s plasma cells. Cancer cells rely on disrupting the body’s normal process of blood vessel development to obtain resources needed to survive.
National Cancer Institute
Types of Skin Cancer
There are many types of skin cancer, the most common being malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is cancer of the melanocytes which are pigment-producing, UV-protective cells. The American Cancer Society refers to melanocytes as “natural sunscreen”. Malignant melanoma looks like a mole (a non-cancerous collection of melanocytes) that is varied in color and has jagged, rough borders. Essentially, it looks like an abnormal mole.
Healthline
Basal cell carcinoma is cancer of the skin’s basal cells which constitute the lower portion of the skin’s top layer, the epidermis. basal cell carcinoma looks like a flat, pearlescent bump that can bleed and produce fluid if opened. Basal cell carcinoma can be darker than your usual skin tone.
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in the skin’s squamous cells, the upper layer of the epidermis. Both basal and squamous cell carcinoma often occur on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma looks like a scaly, reddish lesion. The name carcinoma suggests these cancers occur in the body’s epithelial tissues, such as your skin or the lining of your organs.
Actinic keratosis is a pre-cancerous condition that occurs with years of prolonged sun exposure. Actinic keratosis is also referred to as solar keratosis. It usually starts asymptomatically, but later appears as small, scaly lesions that are red or brown.
In addition to these conditions, there are other, rarer types of skin cancer. Some rare skin cancers infiltrate the skin’s oil glands and other components. Also, it is important to note that moles are benign melanomas; it is important to get moles checked for any cancerous activity.
Causes, Prevention, and Sunscreen Types
The foremost cause of skin cancer is UV exposure. This can occur as a result of sun exposure or tanning bed use. People with darker skin tones are less likely to get skin cancer due to an increase in melanin, which protects the skin from UV irradiation. Even with more melanin, people with darker skin tones should still protect their skin from UV exposure. Like many conditions, genetic factors can play a role in your likelihood of developing skin cancer (and other cancers). Skin cancer can also occur as a metastatic tumor of a cancer that originated elsewhere in the body. To protect yourself from UV exposure, wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and close-toed shoes in sunny weather. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, dark clothing protects best from sunlight when compared to light clothing. Sunscreen comes in two varieties: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen reflects UV rays off of your skin whereas chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays into the skin and converts them into heat. Regardless of what sunscreen you use or what clothing you wear, any protection you use from the sun is better than no protection.
Enjoying the summer sun without concern for skin cancer is possible if you protect your skin from UV irradiation.
References
American Academy of Dermatology Association. “What to Wear to Protect Your Skin from the Sun.” www.aad.org, American Academy of Dermatology, www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/shade-clothing-sunscreen/what-to-wear-protect-skin-from-sun#:~:text=In%20addition%2C%20dark%20colors%20offer.
American Cancer Society. “What Are Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers? | Types of Skin Cancer.” www.cancer.org, American Cancer Society, 26 July 2019, www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/what-is-basal-and-squamous-cell.html.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. “Metastatic Skin Cancer.” AOCD Index, American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.
CDC. “Skin Cancer Basics.” Skin Cancer, Centers for Disease Control, 2024, www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/about/index.html#cdc_disease_basics_causes_risk_spread-causes.
Cleveland clinic. “What Is Lymph and Why Is It Important?” Cleveland Clinic, 22 Aug. 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/25209-lymph.
Mayo Clinic . “Skin Cancer - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Diseases and Conditions, 5 Dec. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20377605.
National Cancer Institute. “What Is Cancer?” National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 11 Oct. 2021, www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/understanding/what-is-cancer.
Piedmont Healthcare. “The Difference between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen.” www.piedmont.org, Piedmont Healthcare, www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/the-difference-between-physical-and-chemical-sunscreen. Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board