Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and one of the most common cancers diagnosed in young adults. Regular skin checks starting in your 20s are important for maintaining your health and well-being. Detecting skin abnormalities early through these checks can lead to successful treatment.
Individuals in their 20s may often overlook the importance of skin checks and skin safety measures for a variety of reasons. Many young adults tend to prioritize immediate concerns and not long-term health considerations. The importance of preventive healthcare practices may not be on their radar. The misconception that skin cancer is an older adult’s concern may also lead younger individuals to underestimate the risks.
The sun safety actions young people take can influence their future health as they age. Consistently practicing sun protection measures help to reduce the risk of skin damage and skin cancer later in life. Exposure to harmful UV rays during youth can lead to cumulative damage, increasing the likelihood of developing conditions like melanoma and premature aging of the skin.
Some sun safety actions you can take at any age include
- wearing sunscreen SPF30+
- wearing protective clothing like hats and sunglasses
- seeking shade
- avoiding tanning beds
Early intervention
Early intervention is key in managing skin cancer. Know the importance of examining your own skin from head to toe regularly using the ABCDEs of melanoma. By conducting routine skin checks, individuals can identify suspicious moles, lesions, or changes in their skin’s appearance promptly. Detecting potential issues in their initial stages allows them to be addressed before they escalate and treatment strategies can be implemented if necessary.
Additionally, regular skin monitoring allows potential risk factors to be identified. These can include excessive sun exposure, genetic predisposition, and environmental influences.
Other important statistics for skin cancer awareness includes:
- 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by age 70
- More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer
- Your risk for melanoma doubles if you’ve had 5+ sunburns
- Use of tanning beds before age 30 increases melanoma risk by 75%
- Melanoma in people under 30 is increasing, especially in women
- In the past decade, new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed annually increased by 32%
- An estimated 8,290 people will die of melanoma in 2024: 5,430 men and 2,860 women
- Actinic keratosis is the most common precancer
- Anyone can get skin cancer no matter their age, race or gender
Skin checks starting in your 20s and taking precautions while in the sun can impact you as you age. Remember to seek proper assessment by a skin specialist whenever there is a concern about your skin.