Complements May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
05/30/19
Did you know that one in five American will develop skin cancer in their life time? Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States – it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from sun exposure.
- Don’t leave the house without protection. Use a broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen that has a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or above and is water resistant.
- Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure and be sure to reapply every two hours.
- Make sure to wear sunscreen every day, even if the sun isn’t shining. People can end up with serious sunburns on overcast days since up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds.
- Check your sunscreen’s expiration date. Toss your sunscreen if it is expired.
- Avoid tanning beds. Consider a self-tanning product instead.
After you take the steps to protect your skin, you should also routinely check your skin for new moles and changes in existing moles. Call your doctor or dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure and encouraging sun safe habits, we can save lives.
Written by Lashelle Kuhlman, licensed aesthetician, Mount Nittany Physician Group Reconstructive & Cosmetic Surgery
