May is skin cancer awareness month. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? One in five American’s will be diagnosed with skin cancer every year. Take this month to educate yourself on preventative safety tips and warning signs.
Skin Safety Tips
- Avoid indoor tanning
- Use an SPF 15 or higher sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours or after getting in the water or sweating
- When possible, stay in the shade or cover up with a hat.
Did you know that the sun’s powerful UV rays can damage unprotected skin in just 15 minutes? We often don’t notice because it can take up to 12 hours to see. It’s important to stay vigilant when you are out in the sun and year-round it is important to stay vigilant to any changes in your skin. A change in the skin, such as a growth, a new mole, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a mole that is changing in size or color are all warning signs that you should get screened.
Learn more about Melanoma excisions at our Atlanta office.
