I've Never Applied It Here Before... To Avoid 'Malignant Tumors', Put Sunscreen on Your Ears Too

Do Not Forget the Ears When Applying Sunscreen
Skin Cancer Often Occurs on Overlooked Areas Like the Ears
Melanoma Can Be Fatal if Not Detected Early, Warns Dr. Michael Park

Experts have issued a warning not to forget to apply sunscreen to the ears when using it on the face. This is because the ears are also at risk of developing skin cancer.

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According to the UK’s Daily Mail on May 28 (local time), Dr. Michael Park, a dermatologist in Minneapolis, USA, stated, "The area most often neglected when applying sunscreen is the ears," and added, "During more than a year of training at a melanoma specialty clinic, I frequently witnessed cases of skin cancer on the ears."

Dr. Park said, "I regularly perform surgeries that involve removing large sections of skin from the ears," explaining that "this is because patients forget to apply sunscreen to this sensitive area." He emphasized, "People seem to think skin cancer is not a big deal, but melanoma can be fatal if not detected early."

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer. National Cancer Institute, USA

Melanoma is known as one of the most dangerous types of skin cancer, accounting for four out of five skin cancer deaths. Research shows that 90% of melanoma cases develop due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Conversely, this means that most cases can be prevented by diligently applying sunscreen and taking protective measures. Dr. Park said, "To prevent skin cancer, sunscreen should be applied thoroughly to all exposed areas, including the ears."

According to data from Cancer Research UK, cancer incidence in the UK reached an all-time high last year, and the number of melanoma diagnoses increased by nearly 30% over the past decade. The UK National Health Service (NHS) recommends avoiding sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., covering arms and legs, and using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.

Meanwhile, non-melanoma skin cancers such as squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are known to be relatively easy to treat if detected early, but surgery is still the main treatment method. Dr. Park explained, "Aggressive squamous cell carcinoma that develops on the head and neck can also be life-threatening," and added, "Although basal cell carcinoma, the most common skin cancer, is less likely to be fatal, it still needs to be surgically removed."