Did you know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Before you go out in the sun this summer, make sure you know the risks and how to stay protected from the UV!
Skin cancer is America’s most common cancer. There are over 5 million diagnosed cases in the nation each year. Luckily, skin cancer and melanoma are highly treatable if caught early. These things are usually visible on your skin, so here’s what to look for: new moles, moles that increase in size, an outline of a mole that becomes notched, a spot that changes color from brown to black or is varied, a spot that becomes raised or develops a lump within it, the surface of a mole becoming rough, scaly, or ulcerated, moles that itch or tingle, moles that bleed or weep, and spots that look different from others. Don’t take any risks when it comes to skin cancer. If you think that you may have a spot that is cancerous, get it checked out by a dermatologist as soon as possible.
So, what is the cause of skin cancer? Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun. The ultraviolet light sunlight damages the DNA in the skin cells. This damage can happen years before cancer develops.
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers there is. How do you go about preventing it? Sunscreen! By applying sunscreen every two to three hours while you are outside, you can prevent skin cancer. This doesn’t mean just when it’s hot, either. The sun is out even in the winter! Make sure you are wearing sunscreen all the time!
