Hey Bradenton, May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. And as we move into our traditional Florida summertime beach season (and barbecue season, pool season, etc.), it’s a great time for a skin cancer refresher course.
Skin is our passion here at Bellagena. We’re familiar with the kind of damage the sun can do, especially if we’re going about our days on Anna Maria Island or Lakewood Ranch.
Our skincare experts are also very familiar with the effectiveness of sun protection products and practices, especially for people who spend a lot of time living our southwest Florida lifestyle. Trust us, this stuff works.
Here’s what you need to know about Skin Cancer Awareness, from Bradenton certified aestheticians and medspa skincare experts.
What Are the Most Common Risks and Causes of Skin Cancer?
According to the CDC, “Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays.” Spending time in the sun, especially without protective clothing and/or sunscreen, raises your risk of skin cancer.
In addition to sun exposure, here are the most common skin cancer risks:
- Lighter skin, including people with blond or red hair and blue or green eyes.
- Skin that reddens or burns easily.
- Skin with a large number of moles.
- A family history or personal history of skin cancer.
Additionally, older people are at a higher risk of skin cancer.
What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer?
The best way to lower your risk of skin cancer is to avoid direct sunlight, stay in the shade as much as you can, and to use sun protection tools every time you’re exposed to the sun. These tools include broad-spectrum sunscreen, clothing that covers your arms and legs, and a hat that shades your face, ears and neck.
And be warned: Indoor tanning booths, sunbeds and sunlamps all expose you to UV rays as well. You can lower your risk of skin cancer by avoiding indoor tanning altogether.
Early Detection is Key
The other factor for lowering your risk of serious skin cancer is early detection. Be diligent in your sun safety as well as your skin checks. People of average risk should start getting their skin checked by a physician or skincare expert in their 20s.
People with genetic risk factors should be checked even sooner and more frequently.
The ABC(DE)s of Skin Cancer Awareness
Whether you’ve been careful all your life or your skin has seen a lot of sun, skin cancer can strike anyone. (Of course, those of us who’ve been enjoying life in Bradenton, and how easy it is to spend time outside, have often exposed ourselves to more skin cancer risk than we even realize.)
Regular skin checks with a dermatologist or other expert are the best way to assess every square inch of your skin in order to achieve early detection.
If a spot on your skin catches your eye as new or suspicious, the ABCDE rule of skin cancer awareness can help you assess its risk and communicate with your physician. Look for moles with these warning signs:
A: Asymmetry. Moles with uneven shapes (rather than somewhat symmetrical circles) should be checked.
B: Border. Rough, uneven or faded, or hard-to-define borders can be a sign of melanoma.
C: Color. An uneven, asymmetrical shade or different colors within one mole.
D: Diameter. Any mole larger than 6 millimeters (~a quarter inch).
E: Evolving. A mole that has changed shape, size or color (or simply stands out from your other moles).
Bellagena is Bradenton’s Skincare Resource
On the bright side, if you’re someone who already visits Bellagena Skin Care Studio and Med Spa on a regular basis, then congratulations: You’re allowing a skin expert to see your skin up close and personal in order to note skin cancer risks.
If you have any questions about your skin, call us today. We’re always here to help steer you in the right direction, especially when it comes to skin cancer protection and risk assessment.
