May is Skin Cancer Awareness and Prevention month. According to the American Academy of Dermatology one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime and 9,500 people are diagnosed every single day. Here’s what you should know about risk factors and prevention.
Risk Factors
Prolonged exposure to the sun is the most well known risk factor but exposure to ultraviolet light from things like tanning beds also increases your chances of developing skin cancer. Be aware of other risk factors and consult your primary care physician to determine how often you should be screened given your personal circumstances. Those other risks factors that may contribute to skin cancer are:
Genetics – If someone in your immediate family has had a melanoma, you may have a higher chance of also developing one.
Age – As with many other conditions, the risk for skin cancer rises as you age. According to Healthline, the average age diagnosis is 65. But keep in mind that skin cancer is still one of the most common cancers among young adults.
Symptoms of Skin Cancer
If you experience changes to a mole that you’ve had a long time or notice a new, unusual growth anywhere on your body, you should contact your health care provider.
Clues that a mole might be melanoma are:
· irregular shape;
· irregular border;
· multicolored or uneven coloring;
· larger than a quarter of an inch;
· changes in size, shape or color, and
· itchiness or bleeding.
Prevention
While there is no way to completely eliminate the risk of skin cancer you can do things like avoid exposure to the sun whenever possible, use sunscreen every day, cover any parts of your body that may have prolonged exposure to the sun. Avoid tanning beds and opt for tinted moisturizers instead.
Remember to schedule an appointment with your health care provider if you should notice any changes to your skin. It’s also a great idea to have a yearly mole check, especially if you’ve spent a lot of time in the sun throughout your life.
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