Gimbel: Banner MD Anderson in Gilbert shares safety tips for summer

Summer is here, and the Valley is experiencing temperatures over 100 degrees. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that Arizona will have 3,020 new cases of melanoma in 2024.

At Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, located in Gilbert, we have compiled tips to help you navigate this extreme heat and keep your skin healthy.

One way we share these tips with the Valley is through our mobile units from the T.W. Lewis Melanoma Center of Excellence.

Through our dedicated network of medical professionals, this advice travels across the community to educate Arizonans about the importance of proper skin safety tips.

Below are a few pointers that are regularly shared at our mobile unit.

Prevent

UV Protection

Although we are in extreme temperatures right now, the below tips should be followed year-round to keep your skin protected from the sun.

Protect your skin from UV rays – The biggest risk factor for melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun. Even though you’ve heard it a million times, it’s never enough – use sunscreen (recommended SPF 30 minimum) 30 minutes before you venture outside. Due to factors like sweat and water. especially if you are exercising or cooling off in a pool, it is important to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.

Find shade – Try to stay in the shade between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to avoid harsh rays.

Wear protective clothing – Keep your skin covered with protective clothing, like long sleeves, pants, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. Protective clothing is especially important when you know you are going to be in direct sunlight for an extended period.

Avoid the lesser-known causes of skin cancer

While it’s true that getting too much of the sun’s UV rays is a leading cause of skin cancer, it’s not the only risk factor for developing the condition. A few lesser-known causes include:

• Tanning beds
• Skin inflammation
• Certain medications
• Viruses
• Chemicals
• A compromised immune system
• Your personal features and family history

Monitor

Learn the ABC’s of examining your moles

While most moles are of little to no concern, these marks on the skin can show signs of skin cancer. To check and ensure your moles are benign (non-cancerous), keep in mind the below ABCs:

• Asymmetry: The two sides look different from each other
• Border: The border is crooked, jagged or irregular
• Color: The mole is multicolored
• Diameter: The mole is more than six millimeters across, or about the size of a pencil eraser
• Evolution: The mole has changed in size, shape or feeling

Look for suspicious spots on your skin

In addition to moles, other suspicious spots on your skin can indicate skin cancer. Everyone should do full body scans for suspicious spots every couple of months because anyone can get skin cancer— no matter their skin color.

Use a mirror to help you see your back, buttocks, genitals and the soles of your feet, and ask a family member to help check your scalp. Also, pay attention to rough or raised areas on your scalp or skin when you shampoo or apply lotion.

Any skin concerns should be checked on by your dermatologist. Take photos of suspicious spots with your phone, so you can share these photos with your dermatologist and refer to it later to track how a suspicious spot’s appearance might change over time.

As you examine your skin, you want to look for:

• Small, smooth, shiny pale or waxy lumps
• Firm red lumps that may bleed or develop a crust
• Flat red spots that are rough, dry or scaly
• New spots, or old spots that evolve in appearance over time
• Sores that don’t heal, or heal and then return
• Spots or sores that change in sensation or are itchy, tender or painful
• Spots that reappear after they’ve been treated with freezing or burning

Treat

Many suspicious spots aren’t cancerous. But if you are diagnosed with skin cancer, it will likely be one of these three types:

• Basal cell carcinoma: A slow-growing cancer that seldom spreads but is the most common
• Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that’s more likely to spread than basal cell, but less common
• Melanoma: An aggressive form of skin cancer; however, it is only responsible for 2% of cases

Various treatment options include:

• Skin cancer excision
• Mohs surgery for skin cancer
• Cryosurgery for skin cancer
• Laser surgery for skin cancer
• Electrodessication and curettage

As we have seen at Banner MD Anderson, most skin cancers are highly treatable, but once you get skin cancer, you’re at a higher risk of getting it again. Therefore, it’s important to take precautions to prevent skin cancer in the first place.

Examine your skin regularly to check for signs of skin cancer regardless of skin tone, especially if you have many moles or a history of skin cancer.

To connect with a dermatologist who can help evaluate and monitor your skin, reach out to Banner Health.

If you are interested in scheduling Banner MD’s mobile unit at an upcoming event, please call 480-256-7546.

Dr. Mark Gimbel is a surgical oncologist specializing in skin cancers.