Skin Cancer Is The Most Common, And Most Preventable Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common, and most preventable, form of cancer in the United States. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
• More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.
• Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.
• When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

These alarming statistics make it clear that skin cancer is a serious health issue that must be addressed.

It's crucial for people to be aware of their skin health and take preventive measures against this deadly disease.

Reducing your risk for skin cancer

Reducing your risk for skin cancer has never been easier. Applying a sunscreen product with at least an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapplying every two hours when outside, is an effective way to reduce your risk factor. 

Additionally, wearing protective clothing will protect you from the sun's harsh UV rays, while avoiding prolonged outdoor exposure during peak hours can help minimize the damage caused by excessive sunlight. 

Most importantly, regularly visiting a dermatologist for skin exams is recommended in order to detect any signs of skin cancer as early as possible.

Be proactive and make sure you are doing what you can to protect your own skin health.

May is Melanoma Awareness Month

Melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths and its incidence has been increasing over the years.

Research has found that long-term unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from either natural sunlight or tanning beds greatly increases your risk for melanoma. 

Fair-skinned people are more at risk than those with darker skin tones, as are those with a history of sunburns. 

Early detection is critical when it comes to successfully treating melanoma, which is why regularly checking your own skin for any changes or irregular moles can save your life.

Aside from regularly conducting skin checks, protective measures such as avoiding sunburns by using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing when outdoors should be taken into account. 

It's also important to visit a dermatologist every year to get a professional opinion on your skin health.

Melanoma Awareness Month serves as a reminder that we all need to take proactive steps in order to protect ourselves from this deadly disease. 

Skin cancer resources

Here are some reliable resources to help you learn more about skin cancer prevention and treatment:

Risk Factors

• CDC: Skin Cancer Prevention - Learn about the risk factors for developing skin cancer and how to reduce your risk.
• Skin Cancer Foundation: Sun Protection - Get tips on how to protect yourself from UV radiation and other sources of sun damage.
• American Academy of Dermatology: How to Prevent Skin Cancer - Read up on ways to prevent skin cancer, such as applying sunscreen regularly and avoiding tanning beds.

Detection and Diagnosis

• Cancer.gov: Skin Cancer Prevention (PDQ®)–Patient Version - Find out what tests are used to detect skin cancer, including self-exams and biopsies, as well as when they should be performed based on age or other factors.
• UCSF Health: Skin Cancer Prevention - Learn about the signs and symptoms of skin cancer so that you can recognize them early on if they occur in yourself or a loved one.
• NCBI Bookshelf: Skin Cancer Prevention – StatPearls - Understand what types of medical imaging tests may be used to diagnose skin cancers, such as X-rays or CT scans, as well as their advantages and disadvantages for diagnosis purposes.

Types of Skin Cancer

• Mayo Clinic Health System: 5 Simple Steps To Help Prevent Skin Cancer (https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem