With summer approaching, Hawaiʻi residents are expected to spend a lot more time in the sun. In Hawaiʻi alone, 10,000 people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, according to the American Cancer Society. It is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting one in five adults, with excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation being the main risk factor. Skin cancer is, however, also the most preventable form of cancer.
To help us stay safe, UH News interviewed Kevin Cassel, an associate researcher and professor at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center.
His work focuses on cancer control interventions and raising awareness about skin cancer prevention. Cassel is part of the recently-launched Skin Check Van initiative, which promotes education on the risks of skin cancer and sun protection prevention measures in the community.
What are the different types of skin cancer and their risks?
There are three major types of skin cancer: basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers occur in the base and upper layers of the skin, and are typically not life threatening. Out of the 5.4 million cases, about 3,000 people die each year. However, melanoma, which occurs in about 100,000 people each year in the U.S., is more virulent, and it has the propensity to be life-threatening. To reduce the overall risk of skin cancer, it is crucial to prevent overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.
What should we know about UV radiation from the sun?
The most important thing is to look at ways to reduce overexposure. What we’re trying to do is to prevent people from having severe sunburns. Severe sunburns are one of the predominant causes of skin cancers. Ultraviolet radiation exposure from the sun is cumulative over a person’s life course. High exposure to ultraviolet radiation in early childhood and young adulthood is leading to an increase in skin cancers, including melanoma, among people aged 15 to 29. In fact, skin cancer is now the second most common type of cancer in this age group.
What are some key prevention tips?
There are a lot of ways to reduce the risk for skin cancers. Here in Hawaiʻi, because of our proximity to the equator, we are more exposed to direct ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
- Limit our time in the midday sun between the hours of 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- When outdoors, seek shade and wear protective clothing such as hats, long-sleeve shirts and pants.
- If you’re not able to, use sunscreen with a SPF (sun protective factor) of 30 or higher and reapply every two hours, especially during outdoor activities.
- Regularly check exposed skin for any changes, as basal and squamous cell cancers, while not life-threatening, can impact appearance and require excision for treatment. So, reducing sun exposure helps minimize their risk.
What are some common misconceptions about sun exposure?
Despite misconceptions that skin cancer primarily affects lighter-skinned individuals, those with darker complexions are also at risk. Additionally, many believe they are safe from sun exposure on cloudy days, yet UV radiation remains a threat. Therefore, it’s vital for everyone to adopt skin cancer prevention practices, including wearing protective clothing and sunscreen, regardless of skin tone or weather conditions.
Where can you get additional information?
The UH Cancer Center is part of the National Cancer Institute’s program and operates an information line (1 800-FOR-CANCER or 1-800-422-6237). Call to get more information about skin cancer prevention, screening treatment and supportive care. Visit cancer.gov or aad.org for additional resources.
