Minnesotans have high rates of melanoma, so take steps to protect your skin
Skin cancer is by far the most common form of cancer. It might sound surprising since we’re bundled up much of the year, but when adjusted for age, Minnesota has the third highest rate of melanoma. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and it’s prevalent in northern states.
Some factors that might contribute to skin cancer risk among Minnesotans include:
High prevalence of outdoor activities, like spending all day at the lake or skiing.
Having an outdoor career, such as farming.
Insufficient sun protection, including not using sunscreen on exposed skin in the winter months.
A high non-Hispanic white population that tends to be at higher risk of skin cancers.
There are three main forms of skin cancer. They usually start on sun-exposed skin on the face, ears, arms, and back. But they can appear anywhere.
Melanoma develops from the skin cells that control skin pigment. Signs include a change in an existing mole or a new, dark-colored growth usually with irregular edges.
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer. It occurs in new skin cells. It can look like a slightly transparent spot on the skin. On light skin, it might look skin colored or pink. On dark skin, it might look brown or glossy black.
Squamous cell carcinoma starts in new skin cells in the middle and outer layers of skin. It often looks like a firm bump or a flat sore with scaly crust.
If you see these signs, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or dermatologist. M Health Fairview Dermatologist David Pearson, MD, says he’s seeing people diagnosed with skin cancer younger. Pearson is also an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School.
“We’re seeing basal skin cancer in people in their mid- to late twenties and thirties,” Pearson said. "Historically that was something that we associated more with folks who are in middle to later part of middle age. That may be attributable to the exposure history that people have, such as tanning bed use or prolonged unprotected natural sunlight exposure.”
He also said he’s seeing more melanomas in younger people than previously seen. Again, it’s likely due to exposure and tanning bed use. The good news is that despite the increase in diagnoses, mortality rates aren’t increasing.
Healthcare providers are finding and treating skin cancers earlier and the treatments are better than they used to be, Pearson said. Of course, even better than the best treatments is preventing skin cancer. That begins with sunscreen.
Tips for protecting skin from sun damage
“We recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of at least a 30,” Pearson said. “I like mineral sunscreens that have zinc or titanium on the ingredient list because they give more broad-spectrum protection.”
Pearson also encourages everyone to reapply sunscreen throughout the day. To cover an adult’s body, you need two tablespoons of sunscreen, which is about the amount that would fill a shot glass. Ideally, you’d reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. But at a minimum put it on before you go out.
“I hear people say, ‘I’m not going to reapply, so I’m just not going to use it at all,’” Pearson said. “Putting it on once is better than not at all. But again, reapplying is best.”
He also recommends protective clothing. If you’re going to be out sitting in a fishing boat, for example, slip on a shirt with UPF protection. UPF is similar to SPF, but it’s the term used in clothing. Wearing a hat can help protect your head and face. Try to find a shady spot and take some breaks from the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is at its strongest. Some medications can make you sensitive to sunlight and more likely to burn.
Teach kids good sun safety as well. Kids’ skin burns more easily than adults’ skin. Try to keep babies out of the sun and teach kids to put on sunscreen before they go outside to play. Get more sunscreen use tips here.
Fake your tan
If you don’t want to embrace your natural coloring, consider using artificial tanning lotions and sprays instead of tanning beds.
“In dermatology, we're very supportive of artificial tanners because you’re not exposing yourself to ultraviolet light to get a tan, so it's a lot safer from that perspective,” Pearson said. “But they don’t provide any sun protection, so you still need sunscreen.”
Sunscreen doesn’t just help prevent skin cancer. It also helps reduce signs of aging, like wrinkles, dark patches, and loose skin. The sun’s rays can be damaging all year long, so use sunscreen in the winter, too.
