Written and medically reviewed by Dorcas Morak, Pharm.D
Every hour, more than two Americans die from skin cancer—yet it remains one of the most preventable cancers when caught early and managed properly. August is Summer Sun Safety Month, a timely opportunity to revisit the habits, screenings, and treatments that help protect your skin during the year's highest-UV months.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with more than 5 million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year. Fortunately, many cases can be prevented through proper sun protection and are highly treatable when detected early. From choosing the right sunscreen to understanding prescription treatment options, the steps you take today can help protect your skin for years to come.
What Are the Most Common Types of Skin Cancer?
The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are considered non-melanoma skin cancers and account for the vast majority of cases. These cancers typically develop in areas that receive frequent sun exposure, such as the face, ears, neck, scalp, and hands. When detected early, they are usually highly treatable.
Melanoma is less common but significantly more dangerous because it can spread quickly to other parts of the body. Early detection is critical, as treatment is most successful before the cancer spreads beyond the skin.
What Causes Skin Cancer? Major Risk Factors Explained
Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the leading risk factor for skin cancer. Additional risk factors include:
- Fair skin, light-colored eyes, or blonde or red hair
- A history of frequent or severe sunburns
- A family history of melanoma
- Having many moles or atypical moles
- A weakened immune system
- Use of immunosuppressant medications such as tacrolimus (Prograf), cyclosporine (Neoral), and azathioprine (Imuran)
Organ transplant recipients face a substantially higher lifetime risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma because of long-term immune suppression.
Indoor tanning also significantly increases the risk of melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Even occasional tanning bed use can raise lifetime skin cancer risk.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer and Protect Your Skin
Daily sun protection is one of the most effective ways to reduce skin cancer risk.
Sunscreens use chemical UV filters such as avobenzone or mineral blockers such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help protect against harmful UV radiation. Dermatologists generally recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
For maximum protection:
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure
- Reapply every two hours when outdoors
- Reapply after swimming or excessive sweating
- Wear wide-brimmed hats and UV-protective clothing
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest
- Avoid indoor tanning devices
Combining sunscreen with other protective measures provides the best defense against skin damage and skin cancer.
What Are Actinic Keratoses and Why Should They Be Treated?
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are rough, scaly patches of skin caused by years of cumulative sun exposure. They are considered precancerous lesions because they can develop into squamous cell carcinoma if left untreated.
AKs most commonly appear on sun-exposed areas such as the:
- Face
- Scalp
- Ears
- Forearms
- Hands
They are particularly common in adults over age 40 and individuals with a history of significant sun exposure. Treating actinic keratoses early can help prevent progression to invasive skin cancer.
How Is Skin Cancer Treated?
Treatment depends on the type, size, location, and stage of the cancer.
For many basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, surgical removal is the primary treatment approach. Common procedures include:
- Surgical excision
- Mohs micrographic surgery
- Cryotherapy (freezing abnormal tissue)
- Curettage and electrodessication
Some early-stage or superficial skin cancers may be treated with prescription topical medications, while more advanced cancers may require radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of treatments.
Prescription Creams and Topical Treatments for Skin Cancer
Several prescription topical medications are used to treat actinic keratoses and certain superficial skin cancers.
Fluorouracil (5-FU) cream works by destroying abnormal skin cells over several weeks and is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments.
Imiquimod cream stimulates the immune system to attack abnormal cells and is often used for actinic keratoses and selected superficial basal cell carcinomas.
Diclofenac sodium gel provides a milder anti-inflammatory treatment option that may be appropriate for some patients.
Tirbanibulin (Klisyri) is approved for the topical treatment of actinic keratoses on the face or scalp and offers a shorter treatment course than many traditional therapies.
Your dermatologist can help determine which treatment is most appropriate based on the number, location, and severity of lesions.
Medications Used for Advanced Melanoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma
When melanoma or advanced squamous cell carcinoma spreads beyond the skin, systemic treatment may be necessary.
Immunotherapy medications help activate the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Common examples include:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
- Nivolumab (Opdivo)
- Ipilimumab (Yervoy)
- Cemiplimab (Libtayo)
Some melanomas contain specific genetic mutations that can be targeted with precision medicines. Examples include:
- Dabrafenib (Tafinlar)
- Trametinib (Mekinist)
- Vemurafenib (Zelboraf)
Treatment selection depends on the cancer's stage, location, and genetic characteristics.
Common Medications That Increase Sun Sensitivity
Certain medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, increasing the risk of sunburn and UV-related skin damage.
Common examples include:
- Antibiotics such as doxycycline and tetracycline
- Diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide
- NSAIDs such as naproxen and piroxicam
- Antifungals such as voriconazole and griseofulvin
- Certain antidepressants such as amitriptyline and desipramine
If you take any of these medications, speak with your healthcare provider about additional sun protection measures and carefully follow sunscreen recommendations.
How to Perform a Skin Cancer Self-Exam
Monthly skin self-exams can help identify concerning changes early.
Use the ABCDE rule when evaluating moles or spots:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other
- Border: Edges are irregular or poorly defined
- Color: Multiple colors or uneven coloring
- Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Dermatologists also recommend watching for the "Ugly Duckling" sign—a mole or spot that looks noticeably different from the others on your body.
Any lesion that bleeds, itches, becomes painful, or changes in appearance should be evaluated promptly by a healthcare professional.
Individuals with significant sun exposure, a history of skin cancer, or increased risk factors should consider annual full-body skin examinations with a dermatologist.
How the RxLess® Assurance Plan Can Help You Save on Skin Cancer Medications
Prescription costs can vary significantly from one pharmacy to another, even for the same medication.
The RxLess® Assurance Plan helps patients compare prescription prices at more than 70,000 pharmacies nationwide. Generic medications commonly prescribed for actinic keratoses and certain skin conditions—including fluorouracil cream and imiquimod cream—may have substantial price differences depending on where they are filled.
Comparing prices before filling a prescription may help reduce out-of-pocket costs and make important treatments more affordable. Download the free RxLess® app to start comparing prices today.
