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As the summer approaches, many people will begin to visit pools, lakes and trails.
But outdoor recreation increases the risk of skin cancer if you do not properly protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the number of cases of skin cancer diagnosed in the United States is higher than that of all other cancers combined. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer before age 70.
In light of these statistics and in May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, here are the answers to your most common questions about skin cancer.
What are the different types of skin cancer?
The most common type of skin cancer is basal cell carcinoma, which accounts for 80% of all skin cancers. This is usually due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
"It's also the least aggressive or the least likely to kill you," said Dr. Laura Ferris, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh.
The second most common type is squamous cell carcinoma, which often occurs in people whose immune systems are weakened by another disease or disease.
Melanoma is the least common but the most lethal. This type of skin cancer usually has a genetic predisposition.
"Melanoma is very curable when it is caught early, but can be fatal if caught late," Ferris said.
How are they diagnosed and treated?
Physicians encourage patients to check their bodies for moles and new, disturbing or unusual lesions.
"These are the things that typically raise a flag (red)," said Dr. Jonathan Lee, director of the Surgical Oncology Network at Allegheny Health Network and a specialist in melanoma and complex skin cancer.
A doctor may choose to do a biopsy of suspicious lesions or moles. If it is determined that it is a cancer, it will be removed by surgery. Ferris said that sometimes additional treatment is needed, such as chemotherapy.
What is my risk?
According to experts, sun exposure and the use of tanning beds are the most common risk factor for skin cancer.
"The more sun exposure you have had, the greater your risk is," said Ferris.
Other risk factors include age, family history, and clear skin that burns easily.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
Lee told his patients to practice the ABCs of skin cancer prevention.
A serves to prevent excessive exposure to the sun, B to block the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun and C to regularly check your skin for any stains.
Ferris said wearing a hat, protective clothing and sunscreen were reliable ways to protect the skin and avoid the sun during the most intense hours of the day, between 10:00 and 16:00.
Always avoiding tanning beds is also a necessity, doctors said.
Anyone with a family history of the disease should be routinely examined by a dermatologist to identify and treat early stage early blemishes.
What type of sunscreen should I use?
Physical blockers and chemical sunscreens are safe but work in different ways, Ferris said.
"Physical blockers, they literally deviate from UV rays," she said. "They are less likely to be absorbed by your skin into your bloodstream."
Chemical sunscreen penetrates the skin and absorbs UV rays before they are damaged.
Ferris said the research showed that chemical sunscreen could be absorbed and manifest in the blood, but she had no evidence that it would cause any damage.
"The sunscreens available in the US are FDA approved and considered safe," she said.
Ferris said you should use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher offering broad spectrum protection.
"Ideally, you want to reapply every two hours or after sweating a lot or swimming," she said.
Emily Balser is a writer for Tribune-Review. You can contact Emily at 724-226-4680, [email protected] or via Twitter .
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