May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
The beautiful sun is out and everyone wants to be out enjoying it! Get outside and be active but Women's Health Center wants to make sure you are taking precautions to help lessen your chances of getting skin cancer. With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Here’s some easy tips for you and your family to lessen your exposure:
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreenwith an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Don’t get sunburned.
- Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
- Cover upwith clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreento your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Keep newborns out of the sun.Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skinhead-to-toe every month.
- See a dermatologist at least once a yearfor a professional skin exam
For more information, go to https://www.skincancer.org/get-involved/skin-cancer-awareness-month
