Experts offer top protection tips for Skin Cancer Awareness Month
UV exposure from the sun is one of the main causes of skin cancer and also one of the most preventable.
The Skin Cancer Awareness Month campaign hopes to reduce instances of skin cancer and increase the likelihood of early detection through education. During the month of May, people who have been affected by skin cancer are encouraged to get involved by sharing their stories on all forms of social media using the hashtag #MySkinCancerJourney, and everyone is invited to share information about sun safety, skin cancer prevention and early detection with friends and family.
Special awareness classes will also be available in many schools, and there will be an increase in stories around this theme in the media.
So, what is skin cancer? Skin cancer is the out-ofcontrol growth of abnormal cells in the epidermis, the outermost skin layer, caused by unrepaired DNA damage that triggers mutations.
These mutations lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. The main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma and merkel cell carcinoma (MCC).
The two main causes of skin cancer are the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and the use of UV tanning beds.
The good news is that if skin cancer is caught early, your dermatologist can treat it with little or no scarring and high odds of eliminating it entirely. Often, the doctor may even detect the growth at a precancerous stage, before it has become a full-blown skin cancer or penetrated below the surface of the skin.
That’s because UV radiation from the sun isn’t just dangerous, it’s also sneaky. Not only can it cause premature aging and skin cancer, it reaches you even when you’re trying to avoid it – penetrating clouds and glass, and bouncing off of snow, water and sand.
What’s more, sun damage accumulates over the years, from prolonged outdoor exposure because of simple activities like walking the dog, going from your car to the shops and bringing in the post. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends that you seek the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm, avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds. Also, they recommend that you cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses and use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of
15 or higher every day.
For extended outdoor activity, people should use a water-resistant, broad- spectrum (UVA/ UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating; Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam. RIGHT: Broad-brimmed hats are one of a number of recommendations from the Skin Cancer Foundation for protecting your skin from UV rays.