Screening helps find skin cancer early, when it is easiest to treat. Huntsman Cancer Institute is committed to improving skin cancer outcomes in the Mountain West through our innovative research that is helping us catch skin cancer earlier. We also promote sun safety through outreach to ski areas and national parks, advocacy for sun safety legislation, and community education programs.
Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of skin color or type. You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by practicing sun safety and following recommended routine screening guidelines.
Skin Cancer Risk Factors
Skin cancer is more common among people with a light or fair skin tone, but anyone can get skin cancer, even teenagers and children. These are risk factors for skin cancer:
- Personal history of tanning bed use
- Frequent prolonged sun exposure, such as long-term work or hobbies outdoors without proper sun protection
- Personal history of melanoma or other skin cancer
- Family history of melanoma
- Odd-looking moles or more than 25 moles
- Living at high elevation
- History of sunburns, especially as a child
Types of Skin Cancer Screenings
Doctors use these tests to screen for and diagnose skin cancer:
Mole Mapping
Mole mapping uses high-resolution photographs to take an inventory of all lesions on your body. Learn more.
Skin Exam
A clinician checks for moles, birthmarks, or other pigmented areas that look abnormal in color, size, shape, or texture.
Biopsy
In some cases, a clinician will remove a tissue sample from a suspicious area of the skin so it can be viewed under a microscope to check for signs of cancer.
Signs & Symptoms
Check your skin monthly to get familiar with your own moles and freckles so you can notice any changes if they occur. Compare your moles to each other and watch for any “ugly duckling” moles that look different than the other moles on your skin.
Also look for these signs, as they may be signs of basal cell and squamous cell cancers:
- Sores
- Bumps
- Waxy-looking spots
- Scaly patches
Visit a dermatologist if you notice any of these signs that do not heal within a month.
Use the ABCDE Rule to Help Remember What to Look for on Your Moles
Look for these “ABCDE” warning signs of melanoma. Talk to a dermatologist right away if you see any changes.
Asymmetry: one half unlike the other half
Border: jagged or bumpy borders
Color: extra-dark or several different colors
Diameter: larger than the size of a pencil eraser (1/4 inch)
Evolving: new, itchy, or bleeding; growing or shrinking; changing in color or shape
How to Check Your Skin
- Check your skin completely: Look at both sides of your body with your arms raised and lowered.
- Use a mirror for areas that are hard to see, or use a buddy.
- Look at the backs of your legs, the bottoms of your feet, and between your toes.
- Don’t forget to check your scalp. You can ask your hairstylist or barber to help.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
The sun, sun lamps, and tanning beds give off ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation has two types of rays: UVA and UVB. Both types of UV rays penetrate the skin and cause damage to skin cells.
Damage from UV rays lasts a lifetime. It may show up on your body in these ways:
- A tan or sunburn
- Eye problems
- Loose skin
- Dark patches
- Wrinkles
- Premature aging
- Skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. A tan or sunburn is your skin reacting to damage from UV rays.
Protect Your Skin from UV Rays
Practice these tips to lower your risk for skin cancer. These tips also help protect your skin from painful sunburns and long-term skin damage.
- Try not to tan or burn.
- Limit sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Wear broad-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and pants.
- Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.
- Put sunscreen on any areas of skin not protected by clothing. Apply 20 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Avoid tanning beds, sunlamps, and intentional sunbathing.
- Stay in the shade when possible.
Use the Right Type of Sunscreen
Look for these features when buying sunscreen:
- SPF 30 or higher
- Broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB rays)
- Contains zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both
- Lotion rather than spray (lotion provides better coverage)
- Water resistant
Did you know?
UV rays can also damage your skin in the winter.
In the Mountain West states, many of us take part in outdoor recreational activities such as snowboarding and skiing, which can increase winter sun exposure. Snow reflects sunlight and can increase UV exposure, especially at higher elevations. Protect your skin year-round by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and protective clothing whenever you spend extended time outdoors.
