Summer’s Here…Who’s Got Your Back?

Your back shouldn't take a backseat when it comes to proper UV protection. The back is the most common location for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Research also has shown that thicker melanomas, which can require more advanced treatment, are more frequently found on parts of the body that can’t easily be self-inspected, like the back.
 
In recognition of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month in May and Melanoma Monday, observed on May 4 this year, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) asks the public to consider “Who’s Got Your Back?” when it comes to applying sunscreen and examining skin for suspicious spots.



According to a 2015 online survey conducted by the AAD, 37% of people rarely or never apply sunscreen to their back when it’s exposed to the sun, and 43% rarely or never ask someone else to help them apply sunscreen to their back. Men are more likely than women to rarely or never apply sunscreen to their back (40% versus 33%, respectively) and to rarely or never ask someone else for help (47% versus 40%, respectively).

“Before you head outside, it’s important to apply a water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher to all exposed skin, including the back,” says board-certified dermatologist Mark Lebwohl, MD, FAAD, president of the Academy. “Since applying sunscreen to your own back can be difficult, it’s best to ask for someone else’s help.”

According to an AAD survey:
•    37% of people rarely or never apply sunscreen to their back.
•    43% of people rarely or never ask someone else to help them apply sunscreen to their back.
•    Only 36% of people examine their back for signs of skin cancer at least once a year.
•    Only 35% of people ask someone else to help them examine hard-to-see areas of their skin for signs of skin cancer.
 
The survey found that men are twice as likely as women to report that they wouldn’t feel comfortable asking anyone to apply sunscreen to their back (10% versus 5% respectively). If no one else were around to provide help with sunscreen, 14% of survey respondents would not take any action, like seeking shade or wearing protective clothing, to shield their back from the sun.

“Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most preventable risk factor for all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma, so don’t leave your back unprotected against the sun’s harmful UV rays,” Lebwohl said. “Find someone you’re comfortable with—like a significant other, friend or relative—and ask them to apply sunscreen to your back. Or even better, stay in the shade and wear clothing that covers your back.”


To emphasize the importance of sun protection on the back, the Academy released a “Who’s Got Your Back?” video in conjunction with Melanoma Monday.


Once you’ve found a partner for skin cancer prevention, it’s time to consider who’s got your back when it comes to skin cancer detection, according to AAD. Skin cancer is highly curable when detected early and treated properly, so it’s important to check your skin for suspicious spots. According to the Academy’s survey, 51% of men and 35% of women don’t know how to examine their skin for signs of skin cancer. Only half of respondents said they perform skin self-exams at least once a year.


“Everyone should regularly examine their skin for signs of skin cancer,” Lebwohl said. “If you notice any spots that are different from the others, or anything that’s changing, itching or bleeding, make an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.”


The survey indicates that people are less vigilant about checking their back than the rest of their skin. Just 36 percent of survey respondents said they examine their back for signs of skin cancer at least once a year, and only 35% ask someone else to help them inspect hard-to-see areas.


“When you perform a skin self-exam, it’s important to check your entire body, including your back,” Dr. Lebwohl says. “It can be difficult to examine certain areas by yourself, including the back, so ask someone you trust, like a spouse or family member, to help you.”


For more information about how to prevent and detect skin cancer, including instructions on how to perform a skin self-exam, visit the AAD website, SpotSkinCancer.org. There, you can download a body mole map for tracking changes in your skin and find free SPOTme skin cancer screenings in your area. SPOT Skin Cancer is the Academy’s campaign to create a world without skin cancer through public awareness, community outreach programs and services, and advocacy that promote the prevention, detection and care of skin cancer.back shouldn't take a backseat to UV protection.