Protect Your Skin Against Skin Cancer

Protect Your Skin Against Skin Cancer

Skin cancers are cancers that develop on skin. Skin cancers include basal cell, melanoma, and squamous cell. Most skin cancer is caused by damage from UV rays. Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis. There's a lot you can do to protect yourself from skin cancer. Foothill Dermatology Medical Center offers a full range of dermatological services. Here are 5 tips for skin cancer prevention.

1. Avoid Tanning Beds- Indoor tanning is very dangerous. Tanning beds expose users to UVA and UVB rays, which damage the DNA of skin cells and could lead to skin cancer. Science tells us that there’s no such thing as a safe tanning booth, tanning bed, or sun lamp. Just one tanning session can increase your risk of developing skin cancer. If you want that sun-kissed look, consider sunless tanning products.

2. Cover Up When Outside- Clothing protects you from UV rays. When going outside, cover up with long-sleeve shirts, pants or long skirts, UV-blocking sunglasses, and hats. Sun protective clothing—specially treated garments designed to filter ultraviolet rays— can also help prevent skin cancer.

3. Use SPF Every Day- When used as directed, sunscreens are proven to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Regular daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen can decrease your melanoma risk by 50 percent and decrease your risk of developing squamous cell by 40 percent.

4. Do a Skin Self-Exam- Check your skin once a month, so you can find any new or changing moles or spots that might be cancerous or precancerous. If you notice any itching, burning, bleeding, or a non-healing sore, you should see your dermatologist. By checking your skin regularly for spots and bringing those changes to your doctor's attention, you can play a key role in protecting your life.

5. Get a Cancer Screening- Annual skin cancer screenings are a good way to keep track of skin changes. A skin cancer screening, also called skin exam, is a visual examination of your skin that is done by a health care professional. No blood work is conducted at the screening. The screening checks the skin for birthmarks, moles, or other spots that are unusual in size, color, shape, or texture.

Ready to take control of your health? Make an appointment with Dr. Amarpaul Sidhu to get screened for skin cancer today. Call one of Foothill Dermatology Medical Center's offices to schedule an appointment- (626) 852-3376- Glendora, CA; (909) 256-8950- Rancho Cucamonga, CA. A quick skin cancer screening can save lives!