Summer:it's a recipe to be outside more. Depending on your activities, all that extra time in the sun is sure to expose you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays if you don't use the proper sun protection. Did you know that more than 70,000 new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed every year?
Skin cancer is a very common form of cancer.
So, what can we do to protect ourselves from a diagnosis?
Check yourself: The KWF recommends that you regularly perform a self-examination by checking yourself in the mirror and looking for new, unusual or changing areas, and report this to your doctor immediately. An annual skin exam can also help identify suspicious growths, moles, and other dermatological changes. Areas of skin exposed to the sun are more prone to developing moles or certain growths, which is why it is very important to have an experienced dermatologist or licensed medical professional perform an annual body analysis to cover all areas of your body. including your scalp, neck and back.
What should you pay attention to?
It is recommended that annual skin exams be performed to look for the ABCDEs of skin cancer. A is for asymmetry:one half of the mole looks different from the other half. B is for border:The mole has an irregular or ill-defined border. C is for color:The color of the mole varies from one area to the next and can include shades of brown or black, or areas of white, red, or blue. D is for Diameter:may be greater than six millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser, and may be smaller at diagnosis. E is for Evolve:The mole or lesion changes in size, shape, or color over time.
Wear sunscreen: Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas of your skin when you go outside. It is important to read the sunscreen label to make sure it is water resistant and broad spectrum with an SPF of 30 or higher. If you sweat or swim, reapply every two hours.
Cover: Sunscreen is only part of protecting yourself from the sun's powerful UV rays. In addition to using it, you should wear protective clothing to ensure extra coverage. Fortunately, many companies make lightweight shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses with long sleeves and built-in UV protection. Use this especially around reflective surfaces such as sand, water and snow. And if you can, try to stay under shady areas between noon and 3pm, as the sun's UV rays are strongest during that time frame.
Avoid tanning beds: Researchers estimate that indoor tanning can cause many cases of skin cancer every year. Fortunately, there are alternatives to achieving a sun-kissed glow without UV rays using sunless tanning lotions and spray tanning.
