Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer, although UV radiation can also come from tanning booths or sunlamps. UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blotches or spots on your skin. The good news is that skin cancer can be prevented, and it can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early.

Take simple steps today to protect your skin:

• Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Put on sunscreen every 2 hours and after you swim or sweat.
• Cover up with long sleeves and a hat.
• Check your skin regularly for changes.

How to select a sunscreen

Do you know that some sunscreens can prevent sunburn, reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, and help prevent early signs of skin aging? When selecting a sunscreen, make sure the label says:

• Broad spectrum: The words “broad spectrum” means that the sunscreen can protect your skin from both types of harmful UV rays.
• SPF 30 or higher: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you select a sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 or higher.
• Water resistant: Dermatologists also recommend that you look for the words “water resistant.” This tells you that the sunscreen will stay on wet or sweaty skin for a while before you need to reapply. Water resistance lasts either 40 or 80 minutes. Not all sunscreens offer water resistance.

To learn more about skin cancer, early detection or how to  perform a self checks you can visit the American Academy of Dermatology website at  https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/learn-about-skin-cancer/detect/body-mole-map