Skin Cancer Prevention

Sun exposure increases your risk of getting skin cancer, especially if you have fair skin. Even one sunburn during childhood significantly raises your lifetime risk. One blistering sunburn increases your risk of melanoma by 6 times!

According to many research studies, the good news is most skin cancer can be prevented by practicing sun protection. Research also shows that not only does sun protection reduce one’s risk of developing skin cancer; sun protection also may decrease the likelihood of recurrence. Even if you have spent a lot of time in the sun or developed skin cancer, it’s never too late to begin protecting your skin.

You don’t have to stop enjoying the outdoors to be proactive in skin cancer prevention. Here are 5 steps to skin cancer prevention that allow you to still enjoy an active, fun lifestyle:

5 steps to skin cancer prevention:

1. Use sunscreen of at least 30 SPF everyday, all year round
2. Apply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after exercise or swimming
3. Wear protective clothing when possible such as a wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves and sunglasses
4. Stay away from sunlamps and tanning beds
5. Get a baseline exam from a dermatologist

BONUS TIP: Check your birthday suit on your birthday! If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding on your skin, see a dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.

Tanning indoors or outdoors increases your skin cancer risk - CBS News

Additional links and resources

Know your UV levels and risks with this UV Safety Poster.

Get the facts. The CDC has a great facts sheet about skin cancer within the state of New Jersey and the United States as whole. Download this skin cancer fact sheet.

Web MD (www.webmd.com)

eMedicine (www.emedicinehealth.com)

The Dermatology Group (www.thedermgroup.com)

SkinCarePhysicians.com (www.skincarephysicians.com)