Protecting your skin from sun damage later in life
What you’ve heard is true:
Even just one bad sunburn experienced early in life can increase your risk for skin cancer in later years. And if you spent a lot of time outdoors growing up — working, playing or just enjoying the sunshine — it may feel like damage has already been done. The good news is it’s never too late to protect your skin and lower your risk.
Your skin cancer risks increase with age
Damage caused by the sun’s rays is cumulative. So, the sooner you start protecting your skin, the better.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. There are more than two million new diagnoses each year. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. This is because your skin gradually loses its ability to protect itself from cancer as you get older, and “new” sun exposure harms “old” sun damage.
As the skin matures, it is harder to detect signs of cancer on the skin. Wrinkles and decreased elasticity change the overall appearance of skin, making it harder to notice evidence of skin cancer. Melanoma is more common in women before age 50, but by age 65 the rate in men is twice as high.
Early skin cancer detection starts with you
Finding skin cancer early is the best way to make sure it can be treated successfully.
To reliably check yourself for warning signs of skin cancer, you need to become familiar with your skin and examine it — head-to-toe — monthly. Watch for changes in size, shape or color of moles or other skin lesions, the appearance of new growths on the skin or a sore that doesn’t heal. If you notice any spots on your skin that are different from the others, or anything changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment with your primary care provider (PCP) or a board-certified dermatologist.
Check the list of preventive services covered by Medicare
Medicare Part B (medical insurance) covers many preventive services, including your annual skin check. Download the Medicare Get Ready Guide to understand what Medicare covers, when services are available and what costs to expect — before you seek care.
Sun protection tips for older adults
How to play it safe in the sun:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Avoid sun tanning and never use tanning booths.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) 15 – 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply frequently, about every two hours, and more often when swimming or sweating heavily.
The easiest way to take care of your health
One of the easiest ways to protect your health is to stay up to date on your preventive screenings, tests and visits. Most preventive services are covered at no cost to you by Medicare. You typically won't have to pay anything for these services as long as your doctor agrees to charge only the set amount for the service approved by Medicare.