- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States.
- Over 3.5 million skin cancers in over 2 million people are diagnosed each year.
- In over the past three decade, more people have had skin cancer than all of the other cancers combined
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Most people like to get a lot of sun in the summer but the benefits of a nice tan come with a harmful tradeoff. Besides skin cancer; aging, wrinkles, sagging, and discoloration are all associated with the sun’s Ultraviolet rays. However, there are many steps that you can take every day to make sure you are safely protecting your skin.
- Seek shade between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. This is the time where the sun’s rays are usually the strongest. If you have to be outside, try to stay under a pavilion or carry an umbrella
- Do not Burn. A single sunburn increases your risk of developing melanoma, which is the worst form of skin cancer.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths- Tanning is never safe no matter how you acquire it. Even though salons say they are safe, they are not. A tan is the skins attempt to prevent further damage by creating a wall of darker pigment.
- Cover up with clothing- Clothing is the most effective form of sun protection. Floppy, wide brimmed hats, densely woven and bright colored fabrics, and UV blocking sunglasses are your best defense. The more skin you cover the better.
- Sunscreen- Sunscreen SPF measures how long unprotected skin can be exposed before burning. Make sure to use sunscreen year round in all kinds of weather.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe once a month- In a full length mirror inspect your skin. Start with the head and face and work your way down. Check hands including hands and nails.
- Signs of skin cancer-
- A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, scab, or bleed.
- An open sore that does not heal within two weeks
- A mole, beauty mark, or brown spot that changes color, texture, increases in size, is asymmetrical, or appears after the age of 21
- See your physician every year for a professional skin cancer exam
Follow these tips so you can enjoy the outdoors safely while keeping your skin healthy!