How to check your skin for cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and it’s on the rise.¹ Anyone can get skin cancer. In fact, 120 people die from skin cancer every year in Minnesota.² Be sure to check your skin often and see your doctor if you notice signs of cancer.

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Types of skin cancer

Two common types of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell cancers. They most often occur in places on your body that are exposed to the sun every day, like your head, neck and arms. These skin cancers can usually be treated or removed and rarely spread to other parts of the body.

Melanoma is a more serious type of skin cancer. It can develop anywhere on your skin. It often first occurs in the chest, back, legs, neck or face. If it isn’t caught early, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and may cause serious illness or death.

Signs and symptoms of skin cancer

It’s important to find skin cancer early so it can be treated. Check your skin often and get a spouse or family member to help with hard-to-see areas like your back or scalp.

See your doctor right away if you notice:

• A red, or waxy white bump
• A large brownish spot with dark specks
• Moles that change in color or have uneven borders
• Moles that are larger than a pencil eraser
• Scaly or crusted patches on the skin
• A sore that won’t heal

See what skin cancer looks like

What causes skin cancer?

Exposure to the sun’s UV rays causes most skin cancers. Some artificial sources of UV rays, like tanning beds and sun lamps, have also been linked to skin cancer. While anyone can get skin cancer, you may be more at risk if you:

• Spend a lot of time in the sun
• Have often been sunburned
• Have light skin, hair and eyes
• Have a family history of skin cancer
• Are older than age 50

Treatments for skin cancer

Treatment options depend on the type of skin cancer and where it is located on your body. It’s also important to understand possible side effects of treatment so you can make the decision that is right for you.

Some things to consider include your age and general health, the stage of the cancer and how you feel about the side effects of treatment. Talk with your doctor or care team to get the information you need to choose a treatment plan that will work for you. 

Treatments may include:

• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Targeted drugs
• Immunotherapy

How to prevent skin cancer

Most skin cancers can be prevented by taking steps to protect your skin from the sun. Even brief exposure to the sun can be harmful to your skin because damage builds up over time. You may also expose yourself more often than you think. UV rays can pass through glass, so even driving or sitting by a window on a sunny day can expose your skin to harmful rays.

Here’s how to protect yourself from the sun and reduce your risk of skin cancer:

• Limit your exposure. Keep out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest.
• Use sunscreen year round. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
• Reapply sunscreen often. Apply every two hours when outdoors and more often if you sweat heavily or have been in the water.
• Wear lip balm with sunscreen. A balm with SPF 30 or higher offers the best protection.
• Cover up. Wear a hat and sunglasses, long sleeves and ankle-length pants or skirts.
• Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. Artificial UV rays can be as harmful to your skin as the real thing.
• Check your skin often. See your doctor if you notice changes in a mole or find new growths or rough patches of skin.
• Get routine preventive care. Your doctor can check your skin for signs of cancer during your yearly preventive care visit.

Blue Cross is here for your health

Blue Cross makes it easy to get answers to your health questions. If you are a Blue Cross or Blue Plus member, you’ll have online access to doctors and a 24-hour nurse line. You’ll also have a variety of health resources at your fingertips. 

If you do not have health insurance, Blue Cross offers a range of health plans to meet your needs and budget. All Blue Cross and Blue Plus health plans include preventive care coverage along with tools and resources to help you stay healthy.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota and Blue Plus health plans are a smart way to protect the health of your entire family. Talk with an agent to learn more.