Nearly six million people in the United States receive treatment for skin cancer each year, and between 2,000 and 8,000 people die from the disease annually. Residents of Rice and Steele counties have access to resources aimed at increasing awareness and prevention of skin cancer.
Emma Johnson, a health educator in Steele County, explained that skin cancer is caused by abnormal growth of skin cells, most often triggered by exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. She said there are several types of skin cancer, depending on where the cancer begins. Among people with lighter skin, two common types are Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Johnson described Basal Cell Carcinoma as a growth that can look like a flesh-colored round bump, a pearl-like nodule, or a pink patch of skin. It often develops after years of frequent sun exposure or indoor tanning. Squamous Cell Carcinoma may appear as a red, firm bump, a scaly patch, or a sore that heals and then reopens. This type can arise from precancerous skin caused by sun damage, even if those spots are not cancerous.
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it can spread quickly. Angie Nagel, disease prevention and emergency preparedness supervisor at Rice County Public Health, said it is important to recognize the warning signs of melanoma using the ABCDE rule: asymmetry, border irregularity, color variation, diameter, and evolving changes in a mole’s size, shape, or color.
Nagel urged people to know their own skin and watch for any changes in their moles. She advised that if a mole changes in a concerning way, it should be examined by a healthcare professional. She also recommended having a skin check during regular physical exams. If there are concerns, patients can be referred to a dermatologist or specialist.
In Steele County, community education and outreach are primary methods to reduce skin cancer risk. Johnson said they provide sun safety tips and ultraviolet protection education through client visits, presentations, and community events. She emphasized that daily use of sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds can help lower the chance of developing skin cancer.
Nagel stressed the importance of wearing sunscreen year-round, noting that children as young as six months should use it. For infants younger than six months, sunscreen is not recommended because of sensitive skin; instead, they should be kept out of direct sunlight and in the shade.
Johnson advised reapplying sunscreen every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating. She recommended broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should be applied any time people plan to spend time outdoors, even on cloudy days.
In addition to sunscreen, Johnson said people should wear sunglasses with UV protection and clothing that covers skin, such as long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to protect areas like ears, hairline, and neck. She also recommended seeking shade during midday hours and avoiding tanning beds completely.
Faribault residents can access dermatology services at Tareen Dermatology. Marketing director Yen Fospervold said their dermatologists offer full body skin exams and follow-up care. Fospervold encouraged everyone to get an annual skin exam to detect any changes in moles or other skin concerns early.
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