Summer is around the corner and most are starting to head outdoors more. It’s important to take care of your skin from the sun’s harmful rays while doing so.
Why its important
With more than three million people diagnosed every year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. It’s also one of the most treatable cancers when diagnosed early, and largely preventable if you avoid the harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun and tanning beds.
Be sunscreen savvy
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes ahead of sun exposure and reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Water-resistant sunscreen still needs to be reapplied every two hours. You can use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15, but the higher the number, the better.
Warning signs
Check your skin at least once a month for warning signs of precancerous or cancerous moles or lesions, using these ABCDE guidelines:
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half.
- Border: The border or edges are ragged, blurred or irregular.
- Color: The color varies throughout the spot or has shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white or red.
- Diameter: The diameter is larger than the eraser of a pencil.
- Evolution: There is a change in size, shape or color.
Dive deeper
Click here to read more about skin cancer on the Houston Methodist website.
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