Stay safe in the Sun!
June is here and many of us are heading outdoors. Unfortunately, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. That’s why it’s so important to protect your skin from the sun.
 
Prevention
Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Clothing can also provide a great barrier. Look for clothing that is labeled UPF, which stands for ultraviolet protection factor. If you find a shirt labeled UPF 30, that means only 1/30 of the sun’s UV radiation will reach your skin. Don’t forget to also wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
 
Early Detection
There is a common misconception that people with darker skin tones don’t need to worry about skin cancer. That’s not true. Anyone can get burned. If you’ve had more than five sunburns, your risk for melanoma doubles.
 
When caught and treated early, skin cancers are highly curable. Your best chance of seeing skin changes early is by examining your skin monthly. Keep these three words in mind when inspecting your skin: NEW, CHANGING, UNUSUAL. This includes:
 
-  A growth that increases in size and appears pearly, transparent, tan, brown, black, or multicolored.
 
-  A mole, birthmark, or brown spot that increases in size, thickness, changes color or texture, or is bigger than a pencil eraser.
 
-  A spot or sore that continues to itch, hurt, crust, scab, or bleed or does not heal within three weeks.
 
Don’t forget to check your scalp, ears, and in between your fingers and toes. If possible, make an annual dermatology appointment for thorough skin check. Remember that skin cancer prevention and early detection starts with you. To learn more, visit skincancer.org.
 
Source: skincancer.org