Spending time outdoors can be a great way for seniors to get fresh air and exercise. But long-term sun exposure can lead to skin cancer, one of the most common cancers.
That's why it's important to understand the risks and protect yourself. This proactive guide for seniors and family caregivers will help you take smart steps to prevent skin cancer and know the signs for early detection.
- What Is Skin Cancer?
- Do Seniors Have a Greater Risk for Skin Cancer?
- Skin Cancer Signs Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore
- Skin Cancer Prevention Strategies for Older Adults
- Skin Cancer FAQs
What Is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer is a disease in which cells in the skin grow out of control. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that most cases of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, tanning beds, or sunlamps. About 20% of adults are diagnosed with skin cancer by the time they're 70 years old.
Types of Skin Cancer
There are several different types of skin cancer that can impact seniors, including:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma: Around 80% of all skin cancers are basal cell carcinomas. This often appears as a pearly bump and is highly treatable and curable. It rarely spreads, but if left untreated, it can cause local damage to the skin.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The second most common type of skin cancer, squamous cell carcinoma may look like a scaly patch or sore. It’s highly treatable, but may spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.
- Melanoma: Less common and more serious, melanoma sometimes starts in an existing mole. Since it can spread rapidly to other parts of the body, melanoma has the potential to be life-threatening if not detected early.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma: Merkel cell carcinoma affects about 3,000 adults annually in the U.S., but numbers are growing. People over 70 are at the highest risk for this very aggressive form of skin cancer.
Causes of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer results from DNA mutations that cause normal cells to become abnormal and grow out of control. Too much exposure to UV rays—either from the sun or from tanning lamps and beds—can generate these cell changes in the skin’s outermost layer (epidermis). The kind of skin cancer a person gets is determined by the type of cells affected.
Lifestyle factors that increase your sun exposure over time can play a role. These include living in a hot climate year-round or having an outdoor job or hobby.
Some medications commonly used by seniors, such as certain diuretics, beta-blockers, and antidiabetics, may have a photosensitizing effect on skin. This may make you more susceptible to the harmful rays of the sun. Often, the benefit of taking prescribed medications will outweigh the risks, but you may need to be extra careful about sun exposure.
Do Seniors Have a Greater Risk for Skin Cancer?
People of all ages can get skin cancer, but seniors are at greater risk simply because they've had more years of UV ray exposure. That said, if you've been vigilant about skin cancer prevention throughout your lifetime, your risk may not be heightened by age.
The biggest risk factor is cumulative UV ray exposure, coupled with a lack of skin protection. Other potential skin cancer risk factors include:
- Fair skin
- Blue or green eyes
- Naturally red or blond hair
- Being bald
- Having many moles, or atypical moles known as dysplastic nevi
- Family history of skin cancer
- Personal history of skin cancer
- History of blistering sunburns as a teenager or young adult
- Skin that burns, reddens, or freckles easily
- Having a weakened immune system
Skin Cancer Signs Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore
Skin cancer signs vary significantly, as they’re dependent on your skin tone, texture, and the type of skin cancer you may have developed. Keep an eye out for any type of skin change, including (but not limited to):
- Sores that don't heal
- Changes in moles, including redness, oozing, bleeding, or swelling
- Itchy, painful, or tender skin
- Rough, scaly patches
- Crusty areas of skin that itch or bleed
- Wart-like growths
- Pearly, translucent, or waxy round bumps
- Doughnut-shaped lumps or growths with raised edges
- Pink bumps with visible blood vessels or dark spots
- Yellow, scar-like areas of skin
The American Cancer Society recommends using the ABCDE rule to spot signs of melanoma:
- Asymmetry: A mole or birthmark that does not have a uniform appearance.
- Border: Irregular borders that appear ragged, blurry, or notched.
- Color: Differences in color within a bump or lump. These may include shades of pink, red, yellow, white, blue, brown, and black.
- Diameter: A spot that is bigger than ¼ inch in width, about the size of a pencil eraser. Smaller spots with irregular borders or other irregularities can also be melanoma.
- Evolving: A mole that keeps changing in size, shape, or color.
You may also have noticed that your skin has become thinner, drier, or more fragile as you've gotten older. These natural skin changes can sometimes make it difficult to spot skin cancer symptoms. Early signs of skin cancer can be easy to miss, but getting regular screenings and checking your skin at home can make a big difference.
Skin Cancer Prevention Strategies for Older Adults
Skin cancer prevention relies strongly on sun protection and healthy habits. These smart strategies can help you or your loved one maintain healthy skin.
Use Sunscreen Every Day
Experts recommend using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on exposed skin any time you're going to be outside. Reapply at least every two hours, especially if you’ve been swimming or sweating. Also, don’t forget your lips, as they can also experience sun damage. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or greater, and make sure to reapply after eating or drinking.
Wear Protective Clothing
Lightweight summer clothing doesn't always stop the sun’s rays from getting through. Choose dense fabrics or clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 15 or higher. A protective hat will also help keep damaging rays off your face, eyes, ears, neck, and shoulders.
Don’t Use Tanning Beds or Sun Lamps
Indoor tanning is just as damaging to skin as the sun is. In fact, multiple studies have shown that the UV exposure from indoor tanning equipment is associated with increased risk of melanoma. It’s smarter and safer to opt for self-tanner instead.
Examine Skin Often & Schedule Regular Screenings
Skin cancer is treatable when caught early. Check your or your loved one's skin monthly for changes that require a medical practitioner’s input. A medical practitioner, such as a dermatologist, can also detect and address skin changes that may eventually become damaging.
Frequently Asked Questions About Skin Cancer
What is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer?
Protecting your skin from UV rays is the most effective way to prevent skin cancer. Wear sunscreen on exposed skin year-round, wear protective clothing when spending time outdoors, and never use tanning beds or lamps.
Are seniors more likely to develop skin cancer?
Skin cancer is diagnosed in seniors more often than it is in younger adults. This is due to a lifetime's worth of cumulative sun exposure. Lowered immune system function and the use of certain medications may also play a role.
How often should older adults get a skin check?
Check your skin at home monthly, asking a family member or caregiver to help when needed. If anything seems unusual or concerning, don't wait to consult your healthcare provider. In addition, get a full-body skin exam at least once a year by a medical professional. If you're considered high risk, you may need to check in more often with a specialist, such as a dermatologist. Your doctor can recommend the best screening methods for you.
What are the first signs of skin cancer?
Skin changes are often the first symptoms of skin cancer. Not every change will be cancer. However, any type of change on the surface of the skin—or in an existing mole—should be evaluated by a medical professional.
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BrightStar Care caregivers and nurses provide compassionate senior care that can help older adults stay safe, monitored, and proactive about their health while aging in place.
From personal care assistance like applying sunscreen and dressing in protective clothing to monitoring changes with skin and staying on top of doctors appointments, our in-home care services can help you or your loved one maintain healthy habits and quickly address health concerns.
Whether you're looking for nurse-led home care services or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.