Skin Cancer
Monday, October 29, 2018 Michele Pratt
Do you monitor your skin? I’m sure you are asking yourself – what’s the big deal? I have a dear friend who passed away a little over a year ago from skin cancer leaving a husband and three teenagers behind. In 2018 the American Cancer Society reports that 91,7120 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the US this year with fatality numbers of 9,320. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer compared to basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. The combined number of people with some sort of skin cancer is over 2 million people.
How can you protect yourself?
- Use sunscreen with a 30 SPF UVA/UVB rays use it year-round & reapply every 2 hours if you are swimming or seating.
- Avoid tanning – outdoors if possible and especially indoor tanning beds which have been proven to increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Seek shade when possible between peak hours of 11am and 3pm.
- Wear Sunglasses the filter UV rays.
- Cover up with protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.
If you have a skin spot that looks suspicious or has changed in shape, coloring and different from your other birthmarks see a dermatologist as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment could save your life.
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