Follow these strategies to reduce your risk of skin cancer
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making it the most common cancer in the U.S., according to the American Academy of Dermatology. The disease doesn’t just affect fair-skinned people: “Studies show that when people of color are diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s often in a stage,” says Maqsood Amjad, MD, Medical Director of the Medical Oncology Program at RWJUH Hamilton Cancer Center. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. With summer around the corner, it’s a good time to think about the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer. Here are a few simple steps you can take:
Seek the Shade
hen the sun’s rays are strongest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). Also, wear protective clothing, such as a hat and long-sleeved shirts and pants, as well as sunglasses.
Use a Broad Spectrum
Water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. Don’t forget to slather it on your ears, toes and the back of your neck, and aim to use 1 ounce, which is equivalent to 2 tablespoons. Reapply it every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from these devices is associated with an increased risk of skin cancer.
Check your Skin
for any suspicious moles once a month.
Have a Full-Body Exam
once a year (or every six months if you’ve had skin cancer or have a family history of the disease).
For more information about preventing and treating skin cancer, contact the RWJUH Hamilton Cancer Center at 609.631.6960 or www.rwjbh.org/hamiltoncancer.