Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans developing the disease during their lifetime. We are all at risk, and if left untreated, skin cancer can spread to other areas of the body and become fatal. Luckily, when caught early, it is highly treatable, allowing survivors to return to their daily lives.
HOW IS SKIN CANCER DETECTED?
The best early detection strategy is to see a dermatology specialist once a year, or more often if you are at higher risk, for a comprehensive, full-body exam. During the exam, the provider will examine your skin to look for anything suspicious or out of the ordinary. If you have specific areas of concern, such as a new or evolving moles, make sure to discuss them.
WHAT HAPPENS IF SKIN CANCER IS FOUND?
If any spots are identified, the dermatology specialist may biopsy them for further examination. There are many effective treatments for eliminating skin cancer if it is found in the biopsy. The goal of treatment is to remove all cancerous areas from the skin.
The good news: When the cancer is detected early and has not spread, removal often is possible and can be accomplished with a surgical or non-surgical treatment, depending on the cancer type.
HOW CAN I STAY ON TOP OF MY SKIN HEALTH AT HOME?
In between visits to a dermatology specialist, you should regularly perform self-exams at home. Check your body from head to toe, looking for any spots that are new, unusual or changing. This simple process that takes just a few minutes each month could drastically affect the outcome if you develop skin cancer and are able to get it quickly diagnosed and treated.
HOW CAN I REDUCE MY RISK?
You can reduce your skin-cancer risk by practicing the basics of sun safety year-round. Make sure to wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply it at least every two hours if you are swimming, sweating or spending extended time outdoors. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including your ears, neck, hands, feet, scalp and lips.
When possible, limit your sun exposure by seeking shade, especially during the peak sunshine hours of 10 a.m.-2 p.m. When you can’t avoid the sun, wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a hat to limit the amount of UV rays that reach your skin. Always avoid tanning beds, which can cause skin cancer and signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles.
Combining these steps forms a comprehensive plan to keep your skin healthy and protect it from skin cancer. Make your skin health a priority so that you can continue to leave your legacy for years to come.
