Unfortunately, skin cancer is a common condition with thousands of people diagnosed with some type of skin cancer every day. It’s vital to watch out for common signs of skin cancer, and if you discover something worrisome, you should speak with a medical expert right away. If you live in or near Honolulu, HI and skin cancer has you worried, stop by Dawson Dermatology and speak with one of our dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin, and Dr. Erin Fuller.
It's especially important to keep an eye out for warning signs if you come from a high-risk group. Some people are more likely to develop skin cancer than others. Not sure you fall into a higher-risk group? Read on.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Skin Cancers
Most people develop skin cancer after being exposed to too much sunlight. Ultraviolet radiation can hurt your body, damaging the genetics within cells and otherwise disrupting cellular functions. Damage can cause cells to turn cancerous.
Anyone who spends extensive amounts of time in the sun and who doesn’t take precautionary steps will be at an increased risk of developing skin cancer. Thus, whether for hobbies or work, if you spend a lot of time outdoors, you need to be vigilant. Sunscreen, hats, and wearing long-sleeve shirts and pants are strongly advised.
Hawaii enjoys plenty of sunshine. Folks living near Honolulu, HI, and worried about skin cancer can stop by Dawson Dermatology.
People sometimes think that the risks of sunburns and overexposure decline in the winter or on cloudy days. UV radiation may be less of a threat on cloudy days but there’s still enough UV light to quickly cause damage.
Other factors can increase the risk of skin cancer developing after exposure to UV radiation. People with lighter skin and freckles are more likely to develop skin cancer. Likewise, if someone seems to develop sunburns more quickly than others, it may be a sign that your skin and body are prone to damage from sunlight.
People with darker skin are at less risk of developing skin cancer. This is because they have more melanin in their skin, which protects the skin from sunlight. Skin tone and other hereditary factors can be impacted by genetics. If someone’s family has a history of skin cancer, they may be at heightened risk. However, keep in mind that essentially anyone can develop this serious disease.
If you're worried about skin cancer and live near Honolulu, HI, dial (808) 599-3780 to reach Dawson Dermatology. Our dermatologists Dr. Kevin Dawson, Dr. Douglas Chun, Dr. Sarah Grekin, and Dr. Erin Fuller would be happy to help.