Skin Cancer Awareness Month

The month of May has been termed as Skin Cancer Awareness Month; a cancer most common worldwide with over 1 million diagnoses in 2018 alone. According to the American Institute of Cancer Research, more than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour, it is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the 19th most commonly occurring cancer in men and women. The incidence of both non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers has been increasing over the past decades. Currently, between 2 and 3 million non-melanoma skin cancers and 132,000 melanoma skin cancers occur globally each year.

So, this Skin Cancer Awareness Month we ask you to practice safe sun, be proactive and treat your skin cautiously.

It is said that even ONE blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence can nearly DOUBLE a person’s chance of developing melanoma, later in life. However, if you ensure that your skin is protected with sun blocking agents or by reducing your daily sun exposure, the figure of 20 deaths every year might witness a decline.

According to the National Cancer Institute, a change on the skin is the most common sign of skin cancer, including:

• –  A new growth on the skin
• A sore that does not heal
• A change in an old growthHere is what you need to know:

• UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers.
• Water, snow and sand can reflect and intensify the sun’s damaging rays.
• Always remember that the sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
• Skin cancer is highly treatable when detected early.How can you prevent it?Although skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, it can be prevented with proper care and by virtue of practicing safe sun. Everyone needs protection form the harmful UV rays of the sun. No matter what your age, it is better to stay safe than sorry. Here are a few things you can easily adopt/practice to keep this deadly cancer at bay:

• Never forget to apply your water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when you step out into the sun.
• Seek for shade whenever possible.
• Dress to protect yourself from the sun by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, pants, wide-brimmedhat, and sunglasses.

• Regularly examine the skin on all surfaces of the body for changes, including a new mole or growth, changes in old growths or scars, changes in color, sores that do not heal, or dark bands across the nails.
• Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
• Visit your dermatologist for a monthly checkup.Remember that the harmful UV rays are not just deadly but they are infamous for being sneaky. Causing premature aging and skin cancer, these rays are notorious for creeping in through the clouds and bouncing off reflective surfaces, snow, water and even sand. Sun damage is an accumulative villain that harms you slowly but surely, whether its an activity as simple as taking your dog out for a walk or as vigorous as sunbathing, follow the safe sun protocols and never forget your sunscreen!