May is National Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, and although the month is almost over, the National Council on Skin Cancer has some great tips for avoiding skin cancer all summer long.

Hopefully you covered up or wore sunscreen over the Memorial Day weekend, because there are more than 3.5 million new cases of skin cancer diagnosed every year, and more than 2 million people seek treatment in the US every year. The consequences of skin cancer can be deadly, as the American Cancer Society estimates that one American dies every hour from skin cancer related complications, so do yourself a favor and conduct regular checks.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Detection

The National Council on Skin Cancer put together some tips to help you avoid the sun’s harmful rays this summer. Here’s a look at some ways you can reduce your likelihood of developing skin cancer:

• Sunscreen – Sunscreen is probably the quickest and easiest way to reduce your chances of developing a melanoma. If you know you’re going to be outside for hours on end, lube up before you head out.
• Re-Apply – Sunscreen is a great way to protect yourself against sunburn, but it loses its effectiveness after a few hours or if you’re in and out of the water. Read the directions on the back of the bottle to ensure you are re-applying sunscreen at the right intervals.
• Hit All Uncovered Spots – Most people cover their arms, neck and face with sunscreen, but oftentimes they forget about their lower body. Make sure you put sunscreen on your legs, and if you’re wearing sandals, don’t forget to cover your feet. Also, grab some chapstick that has SPF protection in it, because your lips can be very vulnerable to burns.
• Find Shade – It’s great to be outside for long periods of time on sunny days, but that doesn’t mean you need to be in the direct sunlight the whole time. If you’re watching a game or sitting out by the lake, seek some shade to reduce sun exposure.
• Cover Up – This isn’t always easy if it’s really hot out, but if it’s a mild summer day, consider wearing a long sleeve shirt or long pants to keep your skin protected. Also, sun hats or wide brimmed hats can help shade your face when you’re out in the sun.
• Find A Doctor – If you notice the development of a new mole, or if one of your moles fails the ABCD test, visit a skin cancer specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you figure out the severity of the mole, the better it can be treated should you need an operation. To set up a consultation, click here.