Seniors should be on the lookout for skin cancer

They might not be lounging on a beach or spending the summer poolside, yet many of today’s seniors are at risk for skin cancer.

That’s because sun exposure can show up as cancer decades later. In fact, one severe sunburn before the age of 18 doubles a person’s lifetime risk of developing the disease. Sunscreens didn’t become commonly available until the 1960s, and even then, they only offered protection from Ultraviolet B rays. Creams offering protection from harmful Ultraviolet A rays didn’t become available until the 1990s.

That means many of today’s 70-somethings were once 20-somethings soaking in the sun without SPF protection.

Aging alone also increases skin cancer risk. The body’s immune system is responsible for recognizing and killing abnormal cells before they become cancerous. As we get older, our immune systems are less able to fight infection and control cell growth.

Everyone, including seniors, should be on the lookout for skin changes that could signal cancer. And we all should take a few simple steps to protect themselves every time they venture outside.

Keep an eye out for:

A = asymmetry (one half of a mole looks different from the other half)

B = borders that are irregular

C = color changes or more than one color

D = diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser.

Any new or strange blemish, including scaly, itchy, bloody or oozy patches on the skin, should be checked by a doctor. Not all changes are signs of cancer, but all changes require a trip to the dermatologist’s office.

Take these simple but important steps to prevent further exposure, which could further increase skin cancer risk.

• Limit sun exposure during peak hours of 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During those hours, either stay inside or seek out shade.
• Wear protective clothing, including sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and long pants and sleeves whenever possible.
• Use sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher. Look for a non-greasy product that protects against UVB as well as UVA rays. These are often labeled as broad spectrum products.
• Don’t forget lips and ears when applying sunscreen.
• It’s best to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming, toweling off or extreme sweating.

Sources: National Institute on Aging and the National Cancer Institute