Taking steps to prevent skin cancer
By Dr. Paul Mayer, co-medical director of El Paso County Public Health
Every year, millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States, making it one of the most prevalent types of cancer in the country. It is also highly preventable.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is the leading cause of most skin cancers.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. As we transition into warmer weather and anticipate the arrival of summer, it is important to take effective measures to protect our skin from harmful UV rays. While spending time outside helps us stay physically active and reduce stress levels, it’s important to protect skin when outdoors. And don’t forget to check your skin regularly for warning signs and encourage friends and family to do the same.
Here are some steps you can take to protect your skin:
Use sunscreen:
*Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (look for a sunscreen that protects against
both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF of at least 30. Even on cloudy days,
wearing sunscreen is important, as UV rays can reach you no matter the
weather. UV rays often reflect off of water, cement, sand and even snow!
*Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and use at least one ounce (about
the size of a golf ball). Reapply more often if you’re swimming or sweating.
*Sunscreen is not waterproof. Make sure to check the instructions on your
sunscreen for information about its water resistance and reapplication needs.
*Don’t forget to check the sunscreen’s expiration date! Sunscreen without an
expiration date has a shelf life of no more than three years. Keep in mind that
sunscreen has a shorter shelf life if it has been exposed to high temperatures.
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Seek shade:
Whenever possible, especially during peak sun hours, stay in the shade under an
umbrella, tree or other shelter between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Finding shade can
significantly reduce your exposure to harmful UV rays.
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Wear protective clothing:
Clothing can act as a barrier to the sun. Whenever possible, opt for long-sleeve
shirts and long pants. When it’s hot, opt for loose-fitting, light fabrics that are
tightly woven. For the most protection, wear a wide-brimmed hat made from
tightly woven materials. If this type of clothing isn’t practical, cover up with a
T-shirt or a beach cover-up.
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Wear sunglasses:
Don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun! Sun exposure over time can
damage your eyes. Make sure to choose sunglasses that have at least 99% UV
protection to help prevent cataract formation.
Regular skin checks:
Be sure to perform self-examinations to look for any changes in your skin,
including the appearance of new moles or alterations to existing moles. Early
detection is key in successfully treating skin cancer. If you do notice new spots or
changes, it’s best to consult with your primary care physician.
By remembering these steps, we can all contribute to reducing the incidence of skin cancer and fostering a culture of awareness and prevention.
