If there is something to take away from Skin Cancer Awareness Month, it’s that, one, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and, two, it’s the most preventable. With over 5 million new cases diagnosed each year, it’s important to take precautions to reduce the chances of getting skin cancer.
Here are some things you can do to help reduce your risk.
Use Sunscreen!
Dermatologists recommend a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and maximum SPF. There is a lot of science behind an SPF rating, but simply put, the higher the number, the better the protection. Also ensure you are reapplying often (every 2 hours), especially if you’re getting in the water.
Cover your skin with clothing as much as possible.
Hats, long-sleeves, and long pants can be very effective, but don’t forget about the remaining exposed areas that are still difficult to shield such as hands, face, ears, neck ankles and feet.
Protect your eyes with sunglasses to prevent sun exposure and premature aging to sensitive skins around your eyes and to avoid other forms of eye damage.
Do not utilize tanning beds.
There is enough data to make it quite clear that UV tanning is extremely dangerous for your health. In fact, tanning is outlawed in many countries due to the proven dangers. Choose life over vanity and stay away from tanning.
Get your skin examined yearly.
It’s important to get regular skin exams to help detect any suspicious spots that may need to be removed and treated. One hour a year at your dermatologist’s office can save you from dangerous types of skin cancer like melanoma. To book your skin exam, click here.
Following the above guidelines can help significantly reduce your risks of developing skin cancer and keep your skin looking healthy.
Here are some additional facts about skin cancer:
1. In the U.S. alone, more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
2. In the U.S., more than two people die of skin cancer every hour.
3. The latest figures suggest that more than 15,000 people die of squamous cell carcinoma of the skin in the U.S. each year — more than twice as many as from melanoma.
4. Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
5. More than 419,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to indoor tanning, including about 245,000 basal cell carcinomas, 168,000 squamous cell carcinomas, and 6,200 melanomas.
6. More people develop skin cancer because of indoor tanning than develop lung cancer because of smoking.
At ForCare, we can help you take great care of your skin through education, prevention, and treatments for all types of skin conditions, including all forms of skin cancer. It is important to receive regular skin cancer screenings for early detection and to ensure the best possible treatment if ever needed. In the spirit of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we hope you will take the simple steps to protect your skin and schedule your full body skin screening with ForCare today.
Sources: https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
