Skin cancer stats scary, but stoppable

With precautions, illness can be prevented or treated

As our temperatures begin to creep ever higher, we start to turn our attention to summer safety.

Appropriately, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, heading into summer with a reminder of the importance of safe summer care.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports that 3.3 million people are diagnosed annually with skin cancer, with some having multiple cases — about 5.4 million cases reported annually, statistics that make skin cancer the most common form of cancer in the United States. One person dies of melanoma every hour, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

While the statistics can be alarming, there is some good news. Melanoma is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and it’s highly treatable when it’s detected early.

In Yuma, skin cancer awareness is critically important. Summer may be the normal time for people across the nation to be outside, but Yuma’s mild winters allow us to take advantage of the outside more than most climates allow.

When one heads outside, one should remember a few tips to protect your skin.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends always seeking shady spaces, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. And while you are outside, cover up — wear clothing, broad-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses. And be sure to wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily.

The foundation recommends avoiding tanning and UV tanning beds, too.

And when you are inside, there are two actions that can help you.

The first is to examine your skin head-to-toe every month, and look for any changes or anomalies. In fact, call your significant other over, and check each other, because there are some spots one simply can’t get a good perspective on without some help.

The second step is to schedule an annual appointment with your doctor, and have your skin checked.

Skin cancer is common — but it can be prevented, and it can be treated. Take action, and don’t become a statistic.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?