Preventing Skin Cancer During Summer: Simple Ways to Protect Your Skin All Season Long

Summer in South Georgia is made for spending time outdoors. Whether you're heading to the beach, cheering from the ball field, working in the yard, or enjoying a day on the lake, it's easy to lose track of how much sun your skin is getting. 

While a little sunshine can boost your mood, too much ultraviolet (UV) exposure can have serious long-term effects. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and many cases are preventable with a few simple habits. 

Protecting your skin doesn't mean you have to stay indoors all summer long. With the right precautions, you can enjoy everything the season has to offer while reducing your risk of skin cancer. 

"Many people don't realize that the damage leading to skin cancer often happens gradually over years of sun exposure," says Dr. Sheetal L. Higbee, a medical oncologist at the Archbold Cancer Center. "The choices you make today—wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and protecting your skin—can significantly lower your risk in the future."

Why Summer Increases Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Although UC rays are present year-round, they're strongest during the summer months. Longer days and more time spent outside naturally increase your exposure. 

UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells. Over time, this damage can accumulate, increasing the likelihood that healthy cells become cancerous. 

• Frequent sunburns, especially during childhood
• Spending extended time outdoors
• Tanning beds
• Fair skin, light eyes, or light hair
• A family or personal history of skin cancer
• Weakened immune system

"Even people who tan easily or have darker skin tones are not immune to skin cancer. Everyone benefits from practicing sun safety," says Dr. Higbee. 

The Three Most Common Types of Skin Cancer

Not all skin cancers are the same. Understanding the differences can help you recognize why prevention and early detection are so important. 

Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually develops on areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and arms. It may appear as a pearly bump, a pink patch, or a sore that repeatedly heals and returns. Basal cell carcinoma typically grows slowly and is highly treatable when detected early, but it can cause significant damage to surrounding tissue if left untreated. 

Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer. It often develops on sun-exposed areas of the body and may look like a rough, scaly patch, a wart-like growth, or a sore that doesn't heal. While many cases are successfully treated, squamous cell carcinoma can become more aggressive and spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the body if not diagnosed and treated promptly. 

Melanoma

Melanoma is less common than basal and squamous cell carcinomas, but it is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. It develops in the cells that produce pigment and can appear as a new mole or as changes in an existing mole. Melanoma is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not detected early, making regular skin checks especially important. 

"Melanoma can affect people of all ages," says Dr. Higbee. "That's why it's so important to become familiar with your skin and report any concerning changes promptly. When melanoma is found early, treatment is often much more successful."

Smart Sun Protection Tips for Every Day

Wear a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply every two hours, wear protective clothing, seek shade between 10am and 4pm, and don't forget your ears, neck, scalp, lips, hands, and feet. 

"Sunscreen works best when it's used consistently. Applying it only once in the morning isn't enough for a full day outdoors," says Dr. Higbee. 

Learn with Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

Perform monthly skin self-exams and watch for changing moles, sores that won't heal, new growths, or spots that itch or bleed. 

Remember the ABCDE Rule when checking your skin: 

• A - Asymmetry: One half of the mole or spot doesn't match the other half in shape, size, or thickness. 
• B - Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, blurred, or notched instead of smooth and well-defined. 
• C - Color: The spot contains multiple colors or uneven shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, blue, or pink rather than one consistent color. 
• D - Diameter: The mole is larger than about 6 millimeters (roughly the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller. 
• E - Evolving: The mole or spot changes over time in size, shape, color, elevation, or symptoms such as itching, bleeding, or crusting. 

"The 'E' for evolving is often the most important warning sign," says Dr. Higbee. "If you notice a mole or spot that looks different than it did a few months ago—or different from your other moles—schedule an evaluation. Detecting skin cancer early offers the best chance for successful treatment."

Protect your Skin for a Lifetime

By making sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular skin checks part of your routine, you can greatly reduce your risk while continuing to enjoy the outdoors. 

Preventing skin cancer starts with everyday habits. Small, consistent steps to protect your skin today can have a lasting impact on your health for years to come. 

Schedule Your Annual Skin Check

One of the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer is by making skin exams part of your annual healthcare routine. A dermatologist can evaluate existing moles, identify suspicious spots you may not notice on your own, and detect skin cancer at its earliest, most treatable stage. 

"Regular skin checks can make a life-saving difference," says Dr. Higbee. "When skin cancer is found early, treatment is often simpler, and outcomes are significantly better. Don't wait until something becomes painful or obvious to have your skin evaluated." 

If you've noticed a changing mole, have a history of significant sun exposure, or simply haven't had your skin examined in several years, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer Prevention

Can I still get skin cancer if I don't burn easily? 

Yes. UV damage can occur even if you tan instead of burn. 

Is sunscreen necessary on cloudy days?

Yes. Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds. 

Are tanning beds safe? 

No. They increase the risk of melanoma and other skin cancers.