Skin Cancer Guide

Up to 90 % of all skin cancers are caused by exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The effect is cumulative. Each unprotected exposure increases one’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer.

Fortunately, most skin cancers are visible and can be diagnosed early and successfully treated before they spread to other part of the body. In fact, many lesions can be detected and treated at a precancerous stage – the point at which their cells may be close to turning cancerous but have not yet.

Any suspicious, new, non-healing, or changing growths should be promptly checked by your physician.

Preventing Skin Cancer
While AK’s and skin cancers are almost always curable when detected and treated early, the surest line of defense is to prevent them in the first place. Here are some sun safety habits that should be part of everyone’s daily health care;

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 am and 4 pm
• Do not burn
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day
• Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 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 skin from head to toe once every month