Mon, June 07, 2010

Skin Cancer: how to protect yourself and detect it’s early signs

One in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime, and according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "one American dies every hour of skin cancer." The Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend using the ABCD method to help detect melanoma:

A is for ASYMMETRY: One half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
B is for BORDER: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched or blurred.
C is for COLOR: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, or sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
D is for DIAMETER: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about 1/4 inch - the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.

You can do self exams to check for changes in moles or birthmarks, but it is also recommended that you receive a full skin exam at least once a year by your health care provider. Protect yourself from skin cancer by applying a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Re-apply the sunscreen every 2 hours, and after perspiring or sweating. There is also clothing, for both children and adults, that is rated to provide sun protection. Look for the UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label on clothing.

You can still have fun in the sun! Just be safe so you can enjoy many more years of summer!

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