SPF 30 sunscreen applied every two hours can dramatically cut melanoma and squamous cell cancer risk, UT Health East Texas hematologist Dr. Marc Usrey said.
Tanning beds are a major avoidable trigger because even minimal use doubles melanoma risk, Usrey said, describing the ultraviolet exposure as entirely preventable.
112,000 new melanoma cases are expected in the United States this year, according to the American Cancer Society, with men projected to account for more cases than women.
Early warning signs include irregular borders, color changes, bleeding, or a new mole; Usrey said immunotherapy has made some melanomas once considered incurable now curable.