Hello, Dr.Shreder here with Full Circle Health. Fall break has recently wrapped up here in Arizona. So, now that the kids have gone back to school and fall break vacations are wrapping up, it’s time to start focusing on some much needed “you” time again. Since it is still very sunny and hot here in the desert, I felt it was important to follow up last week’s post on sunscreen with a post on Skin Cancer.
Skin Cancer… It’s the most common form of cancer here in the U.S., affecting nearly 2,000,000 of us every year. Tens of thousands of these cases will turn into deadly forms of melanoma. If you’re not currently taking steps to protect yourself against skin cancer, then today is absolutely the time to start doing so!
Those with fair skin are more at risk of falling victim to skin cancer, as well as those who have a weakened or suppressed immune system or those who have a lot of moles. You’re also at an increased risk if your family history shows that relatives have also had skin related problems.
If we continue to subject ourselves to harsh UV radiation from the sun, then we become even more vulnerable to skin cancer as we age. As long as you take protective measures, none of this should be too much of a concern as skin cancer remains one of the most preventable and treatable diseases.
Start With The Basics…
The majority of the time, skin cancer can be avoided by simply protecting yourself from UV radiation transmitted by the sun (and of course, tanning machines).
Keeping yourself nicely tucked away in the shade (particularly between the hours of 10am – 4pm), wearing protective clothing that covers your arms and legs as well as a broad brimmed hat and sunglasses, and using sunscreen, are the basic ways to protect yourself from skin cancer when spending time outdoors.