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July 8, 2024

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Race for skin cancer awareness: Educating about advanced non-melanoma skin cancers

By Sponsored Content

NASCAR.com

Published:

3 Minute Read

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer and affects more than 3 million people in the United States each year? An average NASCAR race can have fans in direct sunlight for hours at a time, and the more time you spend having fun in the sun, the higher your risk for developing skin cancer.1

This year, Regeneron and its Let’s Get Real About Skin Cancer program will appear at select racing events through the summer to educate people on the two most common forms of advanced non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC): basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC).1 While most people are familiar with melanoma, fewer know about BCC and CSCC, which are far more prevalent.1 Though easier to treat when caught early, BCC and CSCC can become serious and advance locally or spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) if left undiagnosed, putting your health at risk.2

Through the Let’s Get Real About Skin Cancer program, Regeneron is sharing facts and resources about advanced NMSCs like BCC and CSCC with 70 million race fans across the country through our website, social channels, Stacking Pennies podcast, and in person at educational booths in the Midway at select races, including:

  • Darlington Raceway (May 11-12)
  • Iowa Speedway (June 14-16)
  • Daytona International Speedway (August 23-24)

Before your next race day or any outdoor activity, take a few minutes to learn about how to protect yourself – and not let these advanced NMSCs put a red flag on your racing season.

Before Starting Your Engines: Know Who Is at Risk

The most commonly known risk factors for advanced NMSCs are:3

  • Lighter colored skin.
  • Advanced age.
  • Lots of ultraviolet (UV) light exposure – like from spending lots of time out at the track.
  • Frequent sunburns.
  • Use of tanning beds.
  • Previous case of skin cancer.
  • Long-term or severe skin injury or inflammation.
  • Weakened immune system.

However, young people, those with darker skin tones and those who have never sunburned can still develop skin cancer.3 In fact, clinical outcomes for NMSCs, such as CSCC, are worse in people of color, as skin cancer is often diagnosed later and at more advanced stages.4 Later diagnosis can make NMSCs more difficult to treat.2

Time for a Pit Stop

With a greater understanding of the prevalence and risks of advanced NMSCs like BCC and CSCC, it’s important to take stock in how your skin protection is measuring up:

  • Cover skin with long sleeves, wide brim hats and sun protective clothing.
  • Apply (and reapply) sunscreen during any outdoor activities.
  • Make an appointment with a dermatologist for a skin check.

Just like race cars need to periodically make a pit stop, you should head to the doctor’s office regularly to make sure your skin is in optimal condition. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends getting a skin check every year, where dermatologists can examine your skin from head to toe, including your scalp, nails and other hard to reach areas.5 It is a relatively quick and painless routine screening process. Regular skin checks are a good way to detect BCC and CSCC so they can be caught early and treated before they advance.5

Finding Your Healthcare Pit Crew

If you are diagnosed with advanced BCC or CSCC, know that you are not alone – your primary care doctor or dermatologist may assemble a multidisciplinary care team of other specialists, like surgeons or oncologists, to help with a management plan. Just as teams work together on the track to win a race, your multidisciplinary team is there to help you.

Please visit Let’s Get Real About Skin Cancer for more information and to sign a pledge to see a dermatologist for a skin check soon.

References

  1. Basal & Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Statistics. American Cancer Society. Published October 31, 2023. Accessed May 10, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html
  2. Cancer.net. Skin Cancer (Non-Melanoma): Introduction. Accessed May 14, 2024. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/skin-cancer-non-melanoma/introduction.
  3. Basal and Squamous Cell Skin Cancer Risk Factors | Skin Cancer Risks. American Cancer Society. Published October 31, 2023. Accessed May 6, 2024. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/basal-and-squamous-cell-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/risk-factors.html
  4. Gloster HM, Neal K. Skin cancer in skin of color. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;55(5):741-760. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2005.08.063
  5. Annual Exams. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Published October 2023. Accessed May 10, 2024. https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/annual-exams/
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