You've noticed that a small mole on your arm looks different from the way it did last year. Maybe it's darker now, or the edges seem less defined. Living in Idaho means plenty of outdoor activities under intense high-altitude sun, but you're starting to wonder if all those hiking trips and weekend lake visits have put your skin at risk. Skin cancer isn’t just a summer concern: snow, water, sand, and concrete reflect ultraviolet (UV) rays and amplify exposure, too.
At Core Medicine of Idaho, our Caldwell medical team wants to help you understand the causes of skin cancer and provide prevention tips to help you enjoy the Gem State’s beautiful outdoors all year long while protecting your health.
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What Are the Leading Causes of Skin Cancer?
Knowing what triggers skin cancer development helps you make informed decisions about protection and lifestyle choices. While some risk factors are beyond your control, many causes can be managed through awareness and preventive measures.
- UV radiation exposure. Damaged DNA in skin cells leads to mutations that can become cancerous over time. Idaho's high elevation means stronger UV exposure, making sun protection particularly important.
- Fair skin characteristics. People with light skin, blonde or red hair, blue or green eyes, and those who freckle easily face higher skin cancer risks. However, individuals with darker skin tones should also remain vigilant, as they’re prone to developing skin cancer in areas with less pigmentation, such as palms, soles of feet, and under fingernails.
- Personal and family history. If you've had basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma before, research indicates more than 60% of people will get skin cancer again. Additionally, having close relatives with skin cancer raises your risk, suggesting genetic factors play a role in susceptibility.
- Age and cumulative sun damage. Skin cancer risk increases with age as the effects of sun exposure accumulate over decades. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, though melanoma can affect younger adults who have experienced intense sun exposure or frequent tanning bed use.
How Can You Prevent Skin Cancer in Idaho's Climate?
Effective skin cancer prevention combines daily protective habits with regular monitoring and professional care. The caring professionals at Core Medicine of Idaho recommend these skin cancer prevention tips:
Practice Comprehensive Sun Protection
Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day, even during winter months when snow reflects UV rays. Reapply every two hours during outdoor activities—especially during Idaho's peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade whenever possible, and remember that altitude increases UV exposure intensity.
Choose Protective Clothing and Accessories
Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts with UV protection, and sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses provide physical barriers against harmful rays. Dark-colored, tightly woven fabrics offer better protection than light, loose materials.
Avoid Artificial UV Sources
Skip tanning beds and sunlamps entirely. The concentrated UV radiation from these devices is more intense than natural sunlight, accelerating skin damage and cancer development.
Perform Regular Self-Examinations
To spot signs of skin cancer, check your entire body monthly for new spots or changes in existing moles using the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variation
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolution or changes over time
Pay special attention to areas frequently exposed to sun, and remember to examine your scalp, between toes, and other hidden spots, too. If you’ve never done this before, we’ll outline the process on your wellness exam checklist.
How Core Medicine of Idaho Supports Your Skin Health
Prevention works best when combined with professional medical support and regular screenings. Our Caldwell family practice and urgent care team provides comprehensive skin health services designed to catch problems early when treatment is most effective.
During routine wellness exams, our medical professionals perform thorough skin assessments, looking for suspicious spots you might miss during self-examinations. We also provide personalized prevention recommendations based on your skin type, lifestyle, and risk factors specific to living in Idaho's high-altitude environment.
If you discover a concerning spot or notice changes in your skin, our urgent care services offer prompt evaluation without waiting weeks for an appointment. Early detection dramatically improves treatment outcomes, making immediate access to professional assessment invaluable. Whether you need routine screening, have questions about suspicious spots, or want personalized prevention advice for our state’s unique climate, Core Medicine of Idaho will help you maintain healthy skin for life.