Helpful tips for keeping yourself safe during Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Dr. Hugh Greenway, dermatologic surgeon, from Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center & Scripps Clinic joined the show this morning. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and doctors report an uptick in advanced-stage diagnoses of melanoma, possibly linked to patients delaying checkups during the pandemic. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and diagnosing it early is critical – the 5-year survival rate for localized (early stage) melanoma is 99%. But for distant (or advanced stage) melanoma, the survival rate drops to 30%, according to the American Cancer Society. Prevention: -Getting a sunburn increases risk of developing melanoma by 80% -- it’s important to use sunscreens daily -Pick a sunscreen with – SPF of 30 to 50, broad spectrum, water-resistant (any version is fine – spray, lotion, stick, etc.) -Reapply every 2 to 4 hours when out and about (not just at the beach or pool) -Avoid sun during midday hours; use wide-brim hat, sunglasses, protective clothing -Consider specialized car window film, to protect skin while driving Detection and treatment: -Get your skin checked annually by a primary care doctor or dermatologist -Be on lookout for early warning signs with moles: Asymmetry; Border irregularity, Color variation; -Diameter more than 6 mm; and Evolving (changes like bleeding, pain) -Smartphone apps to detect melanoma – not there yet, could give false sense of security -Growing use of genetic testing of melanoma tissue to help with patients’ prognosis -Greater availability of immunotherapy for advanced melanoma, to extend survival