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How to reduce your risk of skin cancer
Reducing UV exposure is the main way to lower your risk of skin cancer.
What causes skin cancer?
The leading cause of skin cancer is damage to DNA which is the “blueprint” for cell growth, and damage can result in defects in future generations of cells. These defects sometimes lead to uncontrolled growth of:
- Melanocytes (pigment-producing skin cells), leading to melanoma, and
- Keratinocytes (keratin-producing skin cells), leading to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Several factors cause DNA damage. In skin cells, the leading causes of DNA damage are:
Ultraviolet radiation
Both UV-B and UV-A wavelengths can increase skin cancer risk. UV-B leads to sunburn, but UV-A also increases skin cancer risk. You can increase your skin cancer risk without getting sunburnt.
Intense exposure to UV radiation over a short period can increase the risk of melanoma, particularly if it occurs at a young age. However, low-grade exposure to lower levels of UV radiation over many years causes cumulative damage to DNA, which also increases skin cancer risk.
You can increase your skin cancer risk without getting sunburnt.
Ultraviolet radiation can lead to the production of molecules known as reactive oxygen species. These can damage DNA and cause inflammation, which further increases cancer risk.
Cumulative damage over time
DNA in skin cells deteriorates over many generations of cell growth. These changes occur in many cell types, so most cancers become more common with age.
The immune system
The immune system is important in identifying and destroying abnormal cells, including cancer cells. People with suppressed immune systems due to disease or immune-modifying therapies have a greater risk of developing skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma.
Smoking
Chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage DNA, leading to mutations that promote cancer development. Smoking also suppresses the immune system so that it could fail to identify abnormal or cancer cells. The risk is especially high for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the lip; stopping smoking reduces the risk of SCC spreading to other organs by two to three times. (Simpkin 2016).
Reducing risk and detecting cancer early
Sun protection reduces UV exposure. Skin checks serve a different purpose: finding cancer early. Treatment of solar keratoses and preventive medicines are considered individually and do not replace sun protection.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
Steps to reducing skin cancer risk
Avoid the main causes of skin cancer and promote skin health as much as possible
Check the UV index and local sun protection times rather than relying on the temperature. UV can be high on cool or cloudy days, and skin damage can occur without sunburn. When the UV index is 3 or above, use protective clothing, a broad-brimmed hat, shade, sunglasses and broad-spectrum SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen on uncovered skin. Sun protection can also be needed during long periods outdoors or near reflective surfaces when UV is lower. The SunSmart app provides local sun protection times. See our sunscreen guide for application and reapplication advice.
Avoid smoking. Regular exercise and a balanced diet support general health, but they do not replace sun protection or your recommended skin checks.
At Spot Check Clinic, Dr Chris recommends nicotinamide (vitamin B3) for appropriate patients who have had basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma, at 500 mg twice daily. Discuss suitability at consultation. Other antioxidant supplements are not established skin cancer prevention treatments.
A doctor may recommend treatment for solar keratoses or a field of sun-damaged skin. The choice depends on the diagnosis and your circumstances. These treatments do not provide general protection from future skin cancers.
Further information on sun-damaged skin and prevention
Assess and reduce your skin cancer risk
A doctor can assess your skin, recommend check intervals and discuss whether additional preventive measures or treatment of sun-damaged areas are appropriate.
Find out about our skin cancer checks