Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month
Skin Cancer Care Specialists | May 11, 2017
The month of May is the perfect time to be thinking about your skin health. Not only is this month the time of year when more people start getting outside, but it’s also the month officially known as skin cancer awareness month. With two days designated to skin cancer prevention—Melanoma Monday on the first Monday and Don’t Fry Day on the last Friday before Memorial Day—May is a great opportunity to learn some fast facts about skin cancer.
To protect yourself this summer season, keep these tips in mind!
- Seek Shade. Especially during the hottest part of the day, get out of peak sunshine. Seek out some shade to protect yourself from the harshest sun exposure.
- Cover Up. The more ways you can protect your skin, the better. Wear clothing to protect your skin in the sun and a hat to shade your face and head. Likewise, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
- Use Sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen that has both UVA and UVB protection, as well as an SPF factor of 15 or higher. Apply when you go out in the sun, and reapply at least every two hours. Also, if you swim, sweat or towel off, you need to reapply your sunscreen.
- Skip the Tanning Beds. Indoor tanning exposes you to both UVA and UVB rays, and this damages your skin and can cause cancer.
- Pay Attention. Keep a close watch on your skin, so you can notice when there’s a change or new growth. Catching changes early can be key to preventing cancer from progressing.
- Get a Checkup. See your physician each year for a skin cancer screening to ensure you’re not missing something serious.
Stay safe in the sun this summer by remembering these tips! And to schedule a skin screening with Skin Cancer Care Specialists, contact us today!
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