June 2016: Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection

We made it through the winter gloom! I'm sure many of you are enjoying the sun's rays and the warm weather we've been having. This month we'll be focusing on how to protect your skin against skin cancer.

Fast facts:

• Did you know that every year there are new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung, and colon cancer combined?

• One in five Americans will develop skin cancer over the course of a lifetime.

• Men are more likely to develop skin cancer.

• About 90% of non-melanoma (includes different skin cells) cancers are tied to exposure to UV radiation from the sun,

• Skin cancer is also one of the most preventable cancers.

So what can we do to protect ourselves?

1. Know if you are at-risk:

Risk factors for skin cancer:

• Fair skin
• Family history of skin cancer
• History of sunburns, especially if you sunburned while you were young
• History of indoor tanning
• Skin that easily burns, freckles, or reddens easily in the sun
• Blue or green eyes
• Blond or red hair
• Certain type of moles

2. Be vigilant about wearing sunscreen whenever you're out and about.

3. Avoid tanning beds at all costs! (Send me an email if you need any recommendations for self-tanners)

4. Wear a hat, sunglasses, and cover as much of your body as you can.

5. Check your skin every month and look for new moles or any weird mole growth.

6. Seek the shade when the sun's rays are strongest (between 10 AM and 4 PM).

Now that I've scared you senseless into staying indoors all summer long! I'm here to tell you that sun rays aren't all bad for you. Did you know that our skin and exposure to sunlight makes Vitamin D? Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for your body and it only takes 15 minutes a day, three days per week is sufficient. AND! Your body can still make the vitamin even if you're wearing sunscreen.

Stay tuned for more information on sunscreen next week!