Nearly 800,000 Americans have been diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) May 05, 2014
Skin cancers are the most common cancers in men and women in the United States. What's more, as a type of skin cancer, melanomas are a leading cause of death from cancers.
What causes skin cancers and what can you do to minimize your risks?
Skin cancer is a lifestyle disease affecting nearly all age groups. In the course of a lifetime, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer; currently 13 million Americans are living with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer (either basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma), and nearly 800,000 Americans have been diagnosed with melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
There is good news. Skin cancer is highly preventable. Skin cancer is also highly treatable when detected early.
“Nearly all non-melanoma skin cancers and most melanomas are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and indoor tanning devices,” says Robert Chen, MD, PhD, of Acacia Dermatology & Laser Center. “Regardless of skin tone, everyone should practice sun safety and incorporate sun protection measures into their daily routine.”
Here are eight tips on how to reduce your risk of getting skin cancer:
1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when sun's rays are strongest.
2. Do not burn. A person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had five or more sunburns at any point in life.
3. Avoid indoor tanning. UV radiation from tanning devices is now known to cause skin cancers. Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11%.
4. Cover up. Clothing can be your most effective form of sun protection, so make the most of it with densely woven fabrics. Also don't forget to don a broad-brimmed hat and wear UV protective sunglasses.
5. Use a broad-spectrum (UVA+UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
6. Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens may be used on babies over the age of six months, but they should also be protected by shade and clothing. Children are very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation—just one severe sunburn in childhood doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life.
7. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. While self-exams should not replace the important, annual skin exam performed by a dermatologist, they offer the best chance of detecting the early warning signs of skin cancer. If you notice any change in an existing mole or discover a new one that looks suspicious, see a dermatologist immediately.
8. See your Board-certified dermatologist every year for a professional, full skin exam. The American Academy of Dermatology can help you find a dermatologist in your area.
Robert Chen, MD, PhD is Board Certified in both Dermatology and Dermatopathology. Dr. Chen completed his MD and PhD degrees at the University of California at Irvine. He trained as a resident in Dermatology at the University of California at San Diego and at Vanderbilt University. He was a fellow in Dermatopathology at the University of Chicago. Dr. Chen's professional expertise is in the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancers.
Acacia Dermatology & Laser Center is the Premier Skin Care Center of Middle Tennessee and Northern Alabama and is the proud sponsor of this Public Service Announcement. Acacia Dermatology advocates for early detection of skin cancer and offers skin cancer screenings at no cost to patients. For more information, please go to http://www.acaciaderm.com/screening or call toll-free at (855) 269-7546.