The weather is getting hotter, the boats are being taken out of storage, and everyone in Minnesota seems to be looking forward to summer. We can’t wait to have a little fun in the sun, but you also need to take tangible steps to protect yourself against skin cancer. May is national skin cancer awareness month, so we thought it would be a good idea to share some prevention and protection tips ahead of the warm summer season.
Skin Cancer Awareness
Before we get into some prevention tips, we want to focus on some statistics and how to spot the signs of skin cancer. According to medical records, more than 5 million individuals are diagnosed with a new case of skin cancer every year. Moreover, skin cancer is considered the most preventable form of cancer, which means if we’re smart about how we protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays, we can greatly reduce our likelihood of developing skin cancer.
Another key fact about skin cancer is that the sooner it is caught, the greater the likelihood it can be successfully treated. If you ignore the warning signs or don’t conduct regular checks, you can be much worse off when your cancer is finally diagnosed. But how can you check yourself for potentially dangerous moles? Stick to the ABC’s of skin cancer detection. Look for moles or growths that are:
- Asymmetrical in shape.
- Borders are irregular or uneven.
- Color of the mole is black, red, white, or it’s multicolored or changing colors.
- Diameter is larger than ¼ an inch (roughly the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving mole, or it continues to get larger in shape.
Skin Cancer Prevention
Detecting skin cancer and knowing the warning signs are very important, but prevention is always preferred over treatment. Preventing skin cancer comes down to making some smart decisions and having foresight about your upcoming activities. For example, you can lower your skin cancer risk by:
- Wearing Sunscreen – Wear sunscreen on your face, arms, feet and any other skin that is exposed to the sun for long periods. Reapply after a couple of hours.
- Shade – If you’re sitting outside watching your kid’s soccer game or you’re just lounging outside, find a shady spot to stay out of the sun’s harmful rays. Or make your own shade with an umbrella or hat!
- Avoid Tanning Beds – Tanning beds greatly increase your risk of developing skin cancer, so don’t overindulge with artificial tanning beds. If you’re desperate for a tanner look, go with medically trusted creams or spray tans.
- Examine Your Skin – Again, the sooner potential problems are caught, the greater the likelihood you’ll have a successful treatment.
- See a Skin Specialist – See your physician every year and talk about any moles that you want them to take a second look at. If you have a concerning mole, don’t wait until your yearly physical – set up an appointment with Dr. Koeplin or a specialist in your area.
For more tips on how you can protect yourself against skin cancer, reach out to Dr. Koeplin’s office today.
