5 Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer

Are you enjoying being in the sun after a long winter? The sun helps your body produce vitamin D, which is essential to your health. However, sun exposure also increases your risk of skin cancer. The sun is a carcinogen. 

Although skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer in the United States, it’s preventable in most cases. Our board-certified physicians at Wynantskill Family Medicine offer dermatology services. Because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’re sharing essential steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. 

1. Use sunscreen daily 

Do you remember to use sunscreen every day? If not, make a point to incorporate it into your skin care routine. Place it next to your moisturizer on your bathroom counter so you don’t forget it.

Use a sunscreen that protects from both UVA and UVB rays. To ensure that you don’t burn, select a high sun protection factor (SPF). If you’re going to be in the water, your sunscreen should say “water resistant” on the bottle, and you should reapply your sunscreen after you get wet. In addition, always check the expiration date to be sure your sunscreen does its job. 

2. Wear clothing with full skin coverage

If you don’t want to cover your body with sunscreen, protect yourself by wearing lightweight long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears and neck. Invest in some clothing with a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) label. Look for clothing with a UPF of 30 or more for the best protection. 

3.  Seek shade/stay indoors during peak hours

When possible, stay out of the sun from 10am-2pm when ultraviolet rays are the strongest. Seek shade when you can if you’re outside in the sun during peak sunlight hours. Plan beach or pool time for morning or later in the afternoon — you’ll still get plenty of sun.

4. Ensure your sunglasses have 100% UV protection, too

The sun can damage the tissue, lens, and cornea of your eyes and lead to a number of eye diseases. Look for sunglasses that offer 100% protection against UVA and UVB rays. Avoid getting crow’s feet lines around your eyes prematurely by choosing wraparound glasses.  

5. Perform self-checks on your skin 

Check your skin every month. To stay on track, set up phone or computer notifications so you receive an alert. 

When you perform a self-check, look for any changes in your skin such as scaly patches, raised growths, or sores that don’t heal. Examine your moles, and use the ABCDE guide for skin cancer:

• Asymmetry: One half doesn’t look like the other half
• Border: Irregular-shaped borders
• Color: Variations in color 
• Diameter: Larger than a pencil eraser
• Evolution: Changes in size, shape, or color

If you see a skin lesion or mole that is scaly, itches, bleeds, or looks different, call us for an appointment. Your doctor can examine the area of concern with an experienced eye and treat it promptly. 

We can also perform a comprehensive skin cancer screening to check every inch of your skin. You should have a complete body examination every year with our dermatology team. 

Skin cancer is very curable when diagnosed and treated in its early stages. Call Wynantskill Family Medicine or request an appointment through our online portal today if you have a skin concern or need a full body exam.