As we head into summer, it’s important to remind ourselves about sun safety and detecting skin cancer early. Melanoma is one of the most common cancers in the United States and the deadliest form of skin cancer. The number of new melanoma cases has doubled in the past three decades, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Skin cancer risk factors
Excess exposure to sunlight and other forms of UV radiation is a risk factor for skin cancers, including melanoma. En los Estados Unidos, las horas entre las 10 a.m. y las 4 p.m. son las más peligrosas en cuanto a la exposición a los rayos UV. Along with excess UV exposure, the following seven characteristics put you at a greater risk for skin cancer:
- Un color de piel de tono ligero natural
- Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun
- Ojos verdes o azules
- Cabello rubio o pelirrojo
- Ciertos tipos y una gran cantidad de lunares
- A family history of skin cancer
- A personal history of skin cancer
How to protect yourself
The American Cancer Society recommends staying in the shade, wearing clothing that covers your arms and legs, using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection, and avoiding tanning beds and sun lamps.
When detected early, skin cancer, including melanoma, is highly curable. Talk to your primary care physician to see what tests might be appropriate for you to prevent or treat skin cancer. Para más información, Sharp Health News creo esta infografía sobre las maneras básicas de revisarse usted mismo y así descubrir señales potenciales de melanoma.
