Protect Your Skin With Rising Temperatures

Melanoma Awareness Month As the weather warms up and people head outdoors, we need to remember the importance of protecting our skin. The risk of melanoma is on the rise and in Iowa alone 1,050 new cases of melanoma is expected to be diagnosed this year according to the American Cancer Society Cancer Facts & Statistics: Iowa. Risk factors for melanoma include:

  • exposure to ultra violet (UV) rays
  • family history
  • presence of unusual moles
  • prior melanoma experience
  • inherited genetic mutations

Steps to prevent melanoma include:

  • stay in the shade, especially during midday hours
  • wear clothing that covers your arms and legs
  • wear a hat to shade your face, head, ears and neck
  • wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
  • wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher that provides UVA and UVB protection (read the instructions on the bottle for reapplication)
  • check your own skin frequently
  • request a skin exam by your family physician or dermatologist as part of your yearly health check-up

 

Awareness, Cancer, Cancer Center, General, Prevention, Screenings, ServicesChristie FinneganAwareness, cancer center, june e nylen cancer center, prevention, Screenings