GAZELLE MAGAZINE MAY 2018 | Page 90

WELLNESS & WELL-BEING
Increasing Awareness
of Skin Cancer
C
heck out your skin for melanoma and skin cancer
on Melanoma Monday – this year on May 7 – and all
month long as part of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer
Detection & Prevention Month.
Skin cancer, the most common type of cancer in
the United States, is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skin cells,
occurring when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells (most often
caused by ultraviolet radiation from sunshine or tanning beds) triggers
mutations or genetic defects, leading the skin cells to multiply rapidly
and form malignant tumors. The most dangerous kind of skin cancer
is melanoma.
The Skin Cancer Foundation states that more than 5.4 million cases
of non-melanoma are treated in the U.S. every year. But the good news
is that skin cancer can usually be cured when it’s found and treated early.
The most important thing that people can do is try to prevent it in the
first place, but awareness of what to look for so it can be treated in the
early stages is another critical factor to consider with skin cancer. Here
are a few more facts to keep in mind:
1. Always wear sunscreen when outside – even in cooler months
or in the shade.
2. Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer. Every time
you tan or burn, damage builds up in skin layers, and chances of
developing skin cancer increase.
3. Examine your own skin for changes that could be skin
cancer. Dermatologists can help detect areas that are normally out
of sight, or on the back of your torso or legs.
4. Water can reflect the sun onto areas like face, shoulders
and head. Be especially generous with the sunscreen in these areas,
and remember to reapply after two or three hours.
5. Try to limit direct sun exposure to mornings before 10 a.m. and
afternoons after 3 p.m., when the sun’s rays are not as strong.
Many St. Louis-area hospitals will hold a free skin cancer screening
on Saturday, May 12, to help improve awareness and early detection.
The free May screenings have been offered locally and around the
country for nearly 30 years, and are recommended by the American
Academy of Dermatology and the American Cancer Society. Contact
specific hospital for an appointment.
St. Anthony’s Medical Center [phone]
Mercy Hospital – St. Louis [phone]
Barnes-Jewish Hospital [phone]
Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital [phone]
SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital [phone]
Clothing with the Sun Protection Factor protects skin from UVA
and UVB rays even more than sunscreen. Shirts, pants, swimsuits,
hats and other accessories for all ages are available at retailers like
Coolibar, which has received The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of
Recommendation for sun protective clothing. coolibar.com
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GAZELLE
For more information on skin cancer, contact:
American Cancer Society [phone], cancer.org
American Academy of Dermatology [phone], aad.org