Author: Joseph Pollino, PA-C. Joseph is a board-certified Physician Associate specializing in Primary Care at Carson Valley Health Ironwood Clinic. He is dedicated to delivering high quality evidence-based care and empowering patients with the knowledge and tools they need to live healthier and have their best quality of life. Make an appointment with Joseph by calling 775.782.1610 x1.
As the days grow longer and the Nevada sunshine beckons us outdoors, May serves as an important reminder marking Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As someone who loves those crisp, sunny afternoons we get here – whether I’m hiking around Genoa or just enjoying my backyard – I know how tempting it is to be out soaking up those rays! We get about 300 sunny days a year here. That’s a lot of UV exposure! And while we’re lucky to live in such a beautiful place, that sunshine makes sun safety a crucial aspect of our health, not just during the summer months, but year-round.
Skin cancer is, unfortunately, America’s most common cancer, with over five million cases diagnosed annually. The good news? As I often tell my patients, it’s largely preventable, and when caught early, highly treatable.
Know Your Risk
Understanding your risk is the first step in taking proactive measures. While sunburns and prolonged UV exposure are big factors for risks, other major contributors include:
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- Having fair skin that burns easily
- A family history of skin cancer
- Large number of moles or spots on your skin
- A personal history of tanning bed use
If any of these apply to you, you’ll want to be extra mindful.
The ABCDEs of Early Detection
I emphasize to all my patients, early detection is paramount in successfully treating skin cancer. Performing a quick skin self-exam once a month using the ‘ABCDEs’ to identify suspicious skin lesions can significantly help in detecting potential issues early, rather than overlooking them.
A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn’t match the other half.
B – Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or blurred.
C – Color: Uneven shades of black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: The spot is larger than the size of a pencil eraser (though melanomas can sometimes be smaller).
E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, elevation, or if new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting appear.
Beyond self-exams, it’s essential to know when to seek professional help. If you notice anything new or changes in existing moles or sores, don’t wait—schedule a skin check with your provider. We’d rather check it out early than wish we had later.
Prevention Starts Now
Living in our sunny climate means we need to make a year-round commitment for sun safety to be part of our daily routines. Here are some of my practical top tips:
Sunscreen Isn’t Seasonal, Wear it Daily: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen on exposed skin every day, even on cloudy days. I often joke with my patients, “Treat sunscreen like your phone – don’t leave home without it!”
Cover Up, Dress for Sun Protection: When outdoors, wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays, and long sleeves and pants when possible.
Seek the Shade: Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak sun hours. Find those shady spots!
Skip the Tanning Beds: Indoor tanning exposes you to harmful UV radiation and significantly increases your risk of skin cancer. It’s just not worth it!
Make it Routine, Stay Sun-Smart Year-Round: UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like snow (think about those Heavenly ski trips), water, and sand. Sun protection isn’t just for the summer months; it’s a daily habit you should create. From ski trips, lake days, and everything in between the sun will find you—so protect your skin.
Enjoying and embracing the outdoors is one of the best parts of living in Northern Nevada. As a fellow sun enthusiast, I get it! But that also includes being mindful of the sun’s impact. Protecting your skin is an investment in your long-term health and consistent, year-round sun protection and regular self-exams are truly your best defense against skin cancer. If you ever have questions about your skin or need help with prevention, screening, or care, don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care provider. The more we normalize skin checks and sun protection, the better chances we have of preserving your health for the long run.
