Everyone is at risk of skin cancer – regardless of age, gender or race. Your skin needs protection
from the sun in order to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Most cases of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, are attributable to UV exposure.
How can you protect yourself?
See your dermatologist for an annual skin exam or sooner for any skin changes.
Wear Sunscreen. Make sunscreen a daily habit. The UV radiation can still damage skin even in the winter and on cloudy days. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (protects against UVA and UVB rays) with SPF of 30. I recommend those containing zinc from brands such as ISClinical, EltaMD, and Cerave. Go to EWG.org to see how your sunscreen measures up.
Wear Protective Clothing. Protect your body with sun-protective clothing, hat, and sunglasses.
Avoid Peak Rays. Seek shade during the mid-day sun, when the sun’s rays are most intense.
Don’t Use Tanning Beds. Indoor tanning has been shown to increase the risk of melanoma by up to 75%. Melanoma is the number one new cancer diagnosed in young adults (ages 25-29), and scientists attribute this trend to the use of tanning beds among this age group, particularly young women.
Melanoma Risk Factors:
- Fair skin * History of sunburn or UV exposure
- Red or blonde hair * Family History of Skin Cancer
- Light eyes * Personal History of Skin Cancer
- More than 50 moles
