Skin cancer risk rises for Nebraskans

Lexington, Neb — Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most treatable when caught early — and health providers say early detection starts with paying attention to your skin. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. When melanoma is caught early, it has about a 99% five-year survival rate.

In Nebraska, where many people spend long stretches outdoors working, farming, coaching or watching games, ultraviolet damage can build over a lifetime. Exposure also isn’t limited to summer: Up to 80% of UV rays can get through clouds, and sunlight reflecting off snow in winter can increase exposure.

People at higher risk for skin cancer include those with fair skin that burns easily, lots of moles, a family history of skin cancer, a history of bad sunburns — especially in childhood — and jobs or activities that involve spending a lot of time outdoors. Health guidance recommends starting monthly at-home skin checks in your 20s.

The goal is to learn what your skin normally looks like so you can spot anything new or changing. A baseline professional skin exam with a dermatology provider is recommended in your 20s or 30s, and earlier for people with risk factors such as a family history of melanoma, lots of moles, fair skin that burns easily, a history of blistering sunburns or a weakened immune system.

If you notice something new or changing, providers recommend not waiting for an annual visit. Sunscreen use and reapplication are also key. Every sunscreen, regardless of SPF, needs to be reapplied every two hours, with more frequent reapplication after swimming, heavy sweating, or toweling off.

SPF measures how much UVB is filtered, not how long protection lasts. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB and SPF 50 blocks about 98%, but neither lasts longer than the other. Providers also stress that sunscreen matters in winter because UV exposure continues year-round.

Snow can reflect up to 80% of UV back onto the skin, and while cold temperatures may reduce the sensation of heat, UV damage is cumulative over a lifetime. Other reminders include wearing broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily — even when it’s cloudy — and using about a nickel-sized amount for the face alone, including ears, neck and hands.

Tanning beds should be avoided because they significantly raise skin cancer risk. For self-checks, people are encouraged to look for new spots or any mole or spot that changes in size, shape, or color. The ABCDEs of melanoma are: A: Asymmetry — one half is unlike the other.

B: Border — irregular or blurred edges. C: Color — varied colors or shades. D: Diameter — larger than a pencil eraser.

E: Evolving — any change in size, shape, color or symptoms such as itching or crusting. Providers recommend seeing a dermatology provider promptly for anything that bleeds, itches, crusts, is a sore that doesn’t heal, or looks different from other spots. Tara Lawless, FNP, sees patients for skin care at LRHC four days a week.

To schedule an appointment, call the Wound Care & Dermatology Department at (308) 324-8337. Lawless will also see patients at a Dermatology Clinic at the Elwood Clinic on Nov. 23, with appointments required.