Posted In Health Tips on May 16, 2023
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Here are five things to remember to keep you and your skin healthy as the warm weather rolls in:
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Use sunscreen: Protecting our skin from the sun is a great way to prevent cancer. When buying sunscreen, pay attention to the labeled SPF (Sun Protection Factor). Sunscreens with a higher SPF provide more protection from the sun’s rays, reducing your risk of skin cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends an SPF of at least 30 to keep your skin in good health.
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Clothing counts: Sunscreen isn’t the only way to prevent skin cancer, something as simple as wearing a hat or sun guard at the beach is a great way to protect yourself from the heat.
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The sun stops for no one: As the weather gets warmer, sunscreen can feel like a no-brainer, but the sun and its rays still pose a threat to your skin during the cooler months. Applying sunscreen throughout the year, no matter the weather, will benefit you and your skin.
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Recognize symptoms: Skin cancer symptoms vary, but be on the lookout for mole appearances, changes in existing mole sizes or colors, and/or skin redness or itchiness. When in doubt, seek help from a dermatologist near you.
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Screenings: Early skin cancer detection makes it easier to treat a positive diagnosis — which makes skin cancer screening essential. If you are concerned you may have skin cancer, schedule an appointment with your local dermatologist or find a free skin cancer screening near you.
