The World’s Most Common Cancer — And the One You Can SEE.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month so let’s shine a light on the most common type of cancer — the one you can SEE. 

Let’s admit, if you have either grown up or moved to the Virgin Islands you’ve had your fair share of sun exposure. In fact, our year round summer weather is one of the many reasons we call the VI home. While the sun is essential to life, overexposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays is the primary cause of skin cancer. Here in the caribbean we have a higher UV index compared to many other parts of the world — which means higher susceptibility to sunburns, skin aging and mostly importantly skin cancer. 

Facts and stats from the Skin Cancer Foundation

  • Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide.

  • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

  • There are five main types of skin cancer — Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form. 

    • An estimated 4.3 million cases of BCC are diagnosed in the U.S. each year.

  • Melanoma, while less common, is more dangerous because of its ability to spread to other organs more rapidly if it is not treated at an early stage.

    • Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.

    • When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

 

The good news is, unlike other cancers, this one you can actually SEE. The Skin Cancer Foundation has launched “ The Big See campaign – to empower you to get to know your skin, check yourself in the mirror and keep these three simple words in mind: NEW, CHANGING or UNUSUAL.” As with most cancers, early detection is of the utmost importance and can often mean the difference between life and death.

In addition to early detection, let’s talk about prevention. Practicing sun safety everyday should be a high priority if you live in the Virgin Islands and are outside on a daily basis.

  1. SLIP on a shirt (long sleeve with SPF is best).

  2. SLOP on sunscreen (30 SPF+ and Reef Safe - Zinc Oxide as primary ingredient). 

  3. SLAP on a hat.

  4. SLIDE on sunglasses with UV protection.

  5. SEEK shade (especially between 11-3).

Although skin with less melanin (lighter skin) is at higher risk for sun damage and developing skin cancer, anyone can develop this disease. In fact, Bob Marley died at age 36 from acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a serious, rare disease that is also the most common form of melanoma in people with darker skin tones.

Read about a fellow Virgin Islander’s experience with skin cancer:

“Growing up the sun screen was a hassle, something that would hold you back from playing longer. I wish I had known then what I know now.

My mother would struggle to put sunscreen on my shoulders, let alone my face with the scrubbing sand remnants trapped in the lotion. I wish I knew then what I know now.

The sun is more powerful and more influential in our day to day life than it has ever been — The sun gives us energy, gives us light, gives us time. Unfortunately for us the sun’s effect on our skin is stronger than it has ever been. 

I have had basal cell. I have had squamous. I have had melanoma in situ removed from my face. I wish I knew then what I know now.

Preventative measures and hind sight prove to be prudent, but when the knowledge of the future failed me I had a community and friends who supported me. 

Thank you to the people, land and vibe of the USVI, but a special thanks to CSVI.”