Protect Your Skin

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one out of seven people in the United States will develop some form of this cancer during their lifetime.

One serious sunburn can increase the risk of developing skin cancer by as much as 50 percent.

According to current estimates, 40 to 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have skin cancer at least once. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have a family history of skin cancer or who have fair skin that freckles easily when exposed to the sun, X-rays or ultraviolet (UV) light for prolonged periods – often those with red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes. No matter what you are doing, or what time of year it is, if you are outside, you need to be protected.

Skin cancer is very slow to develop – the sunburn you receive this week may take 20 years or more to become skin cancer. Therefore, protecting skin from the sun during childhood and adolescence is very important in reducing the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. In fact, most people receive 80 percent of their lifetime exposure to the sun by 18 years of age.

About 80 percent of skin cancers could be prevented by protecting skin from the sun’s rays.

Why Do You Need Healthy Skin?

Your skin protects your body against heat, light, infection and injury. It also stores water, fat and vitamin D.

Sun Tools

• Sunscreen
  Use sunscreen every day on skin that is not protected by clothing or a hat. Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days. Reapply after swimming or perspiring.
   
• Protective Clothing
  When out in the sun, you should always wear shirts and slacks made of tightly woven fabrics that you can’t see through when held up to the light. Also for added protection you should wear a hat that shades your face, neck and ears.
   
• Sunglasses
  Sunglasses protect eyes and the tender skin around them from harmful UV rays.

Check Yourself Out

Skin cancer can occur anywhere on your body, but it is most common in places that have been exposed to

more sunlight, such as your face, neck, hands and arms. The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change on the skin, such as a growth or a sore that will not heal. However, skin cancers do not all look the same. The cancer may begin as a small, smooth, shiny, pale or waxy lump or it can appear as a firm red lump. Sometimes it bleeds or develops a crust. It can also start as a flat, red spot that is rough, dry or scaly.

Changes in the skin are not sure signs of cancer; however, it is important to see a doctor if any symptoms lasts longer than two weeks. Don’t wait for the area to hurt – skin cancers seldom cause pain. The cure rate for skin cancer could be 100 percent if all skin cancers were brought to a doctor’s attention before they had a chance to spread. You should check yourself regularly for new growths or other changes in the skin. Any new, colored growths or any changes in growths that are already present should be reported to your doctor immediately