How to Protect Your Skin
This time of the year is the perfect opportunity to go for a hike , explore a new part of town , play a game or head to a local park . As you head outside , be sure you and your family are enjoying the sunshine safely .
About Skin Cancer Skin cancer is not only the most common form of cancer , it ’ s also the most preventable . Millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer every year . Basal cell carcinoma ( BCC ) and squamous cell carcinoma ( SCC ) are the most common types of skin cancer diagnosed in the U . S ., and melanoma is the most dangerous .
Detecting Skin Cancer The sooner skin cancer is identified and treated , the better chance it has to be cured . When detected in its earliest stages , skin cancer is highly treatable . Be sure to watch your skin for any changes , especially in color , texture and growths . You should also monitor any new or existing moles for :
Asymmetry – Do you have moles that are an uneven / asymmetrical shape ? Border – Are there any irregular borders around your moles ? Color – Do you have any moles that are more than one color ? Diameter – Do you have a mole that ’ s bigger than a pencil eraser ? Evolved – Has your mole gotten bigger or thicker ?
You should have a doctor check it out if you notice any of the warning signs listed above , if you have a sore that won ’ t heal or a patch of skin that seems dry , scaly and itchy .
Preventing Skin Cancer Skin cancer is almost always caused by exposure to the sun , so there ’ s a lot you can do to prevent it . First , it ’ s important to understand that even on the cloudiest days , you ’ re being exposed to ultraviolet ( UV ) rays from the sun . That means that protecting your skin is a year-round job .
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