You know what they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” Well, turns out that apples aren’t the only thing that can keep the doctor at bay. In fact, there’s one other thing that’s even more effective: sunscreen! That’s right, folks. Slathering on some SPF 30+ sunscreen every day is the best way to prevent skin cancer.
But I realize that not everyone is as diligent about sunscreen as they should be. (I’m looking at you, dad.) So for those of you who need a little reminder about why you should be wearing sunscreen every day, I’ve put together this list of the ABCs of skin cancer—remember this so that, hopefully, you don’t even have to come in for Idaho Falls skin cancer treatment.
- A is for apples. As I mentioned before, apples aren’t the only things that can keep the doctor away. In fact, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. But don’t worry, there’s a easy way to prevent skin cancer: by seeing your skin doctor regularly!
- B is for beaches. Beach days are the best days. But they can also be dangerous if you don’t take the proper precautions. That’s why it’s so important to wear sunscreen when you’re spending time in the sun. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most cases of melanoma are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. So make sure to lather up before heading out to enjoy some fun in the sun!
- C is for check-ups. Just like you should go to the doctor for a physical every year, you should also go to the dermatologist for a skin check-up every year. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early, so it’s important to get checked out by a professional on a regular basis. And remember: if you notice anything unusual on your skin—a new mole, a change in an existing mole, etc.—be sure to see a dermatologist right away!
A is for apples, B is for beaches, and C is for check-ups. By following these simple tips, you can help prevent skin cancer and enjoy many happy and healthy beach days with your family and friends!
How to Know if You Have Skin Cancer
Just as you should be checking your moles for signs of melanoma, you should also be on the lookout for any new or changing skin growths that could be a sign of skin cancer. Here are a few things to look for:
- A New Growth: The first and most obvious sign of skin cancer is a new growth on the skin. This could be a mole that wasn’t there before, or a spot that looks different from the rest of your skin. If you see anything new, make sure to have it checked out by a doctor.
- A Change in an existing Growth: If you have a mole that changes in size, shape, color or texture, it could be a sign of skin cancer. Make sure to keep an eye on any existing moles, and if you see any changes, contact your doctor right away.
- A Spot that Looks Like a Sore that Won’t Heal: If you have a sore on your skin that won’t heal after several weeks, it could be a sign of basal cell or squamous cell carcinoma. These types of skin cancer usually appear on parts of the body that get sun exposure, like the face, neck, hands and arms. If you have a sore that won’t heal, make an appointment with your doctor so they can take a look.
Remember, these are just some potential signs of skin cancer. If you’re concerned about something on your skin, the best thing to do is contact your doctor so they can take a look. And as always, make sure to wear sunscreen and stay out of the sun as much as possible to reduce your risk! And contact High Valley Dermatology for a checkup today!
