By Thomas Doucet

To Your Health

To Your Health: Skin Cancer

Jul 19, 2022 | 4:20 PM

PRINCE GEORGE—It is the most prolific form of cancer today according to Dermatological Oncologist Dr. Harvey Lui.

“Skin cancer is actually the most common type of cancer that occurs in humans. So it’s now estimated that in, say, British Columbia or in Canada in general, one in five people is expected to get skin cancer sometime in their life. So it’s a big impact because many people are affected. The other thing that is really important to understand about skin cancer is it’s actually quite preventable,” said Lui.

The risk factors for skin cancer are well known.

“The sun gives us these rays that, you know, make us feel good or bathes us in warmth and, you know, light and everything. But there’s also these invisible rays from the sun, ultraviolet rays that actually have enough energy in those rays to go into your skin, be absorbed, and actually damage the DNA molecules of your skin,” said Lui.

When your DNA gets damaged, that can set you up for skin cancer down the road. Some of the telltale signs of skin cancer are irregular moles, lingering open wounds and colour changes.

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“We all have spots, we all have moles, we have blemishes, we have, you know, various things on our skin. But if you have one that’s just very different from the rest, that one might be skin cancer,” said Lui

Covering your skin when going out is your best form of protection, whether it is with clothing or sunscreen. SPF 30 and above is recommended and you should reapply every two hours to keep up protection.