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Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., it is one of the most preventable, which is why awareness of the disease is so crucial. Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, our team at Sanova Dermatology is trying to get the word out and educate people on how they can lower their risk of developing the condition. When it comes to protecting the health of your skin, there are five key precautions you should take:
1. Use sunscreen daily Despite how much sun exposure you anticipate, you should apply about 1 ounce of broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Remember to reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
2. Cover up and seek the shade The sun’s harmful rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Consider wearing items like a hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, long sleeves and pants, or bright or dark fabrics for extra protection.
3. Avoid tanning Tanning, whether outdoors or indoors using UV tanning beds, has proven to cause an increased risk of developing melanoma (the most severe form of skin cancer), squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. By avoiding long periods under the harmful rays, you are being proactive in avoiding sun damage.
4. Don’t allow your skin to burn When you get a sunburn, it can be quite painful, but the real damage may not show for years. The risk for developing melanoma actually doubles if you get five or more sunburns throughout your lifetime.
5. Thoroughly examine your skin every month Routinely checking your skin for any abnormalities or changes can make a huge impact on preventing the development or spread of skin cancer. Stay tuned for our next blog post to learn how you can detect skin cancer right away.
Schedule Your Appointment To ensure your skin is healthy and free of cancer, you should see a physician every year for a skin exam. By doing so, they can monitor any changes and test any questionable areas to prevent the development and spread of potentially cancerous tissue. To schedule your appointment with one of our dermatologists, please contact Sanova Dermatology today!