View Larger Image Older adults walking on the beach.
Sun Safety: A Walk on the Beach

July 30, 2018

How to Prevent & Detect Skin Cancer

Sunlight is good for our bodies to some extent, but be sure to take the following precautions to stay safe:

  1. Use sunscreen. Be sure to use an SPF of 15 or higher, apply 15-30 minutes before going outside, and re-apply at least every 2 hours.
  2. Wear protective clothing. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses can help protect your face and eyes, while a loose, long-sleeved shirt or skirt can provide additional protection for your skin.
  3. Watch the time. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 AM and 4 PM. Also, you CAN get sunburned on a cloudy day, so don’t skip these measures just because the sun isn’t shining!

Skin cancer is prominent in the United States, and we know the main cause is sun exposure. Learning the ABCDE’s of skin cancer can help you determine whether you need to see your doctor:

A= Asymmetry (one half looks different than the other)

B= Borders (irregularly shaped edges)

C= Color (look for changes in color or varying colors within the same growth)

D= Diameter (If it’s diameter is bigger than a pencil eraser, show your doctor.)

E= Evolving (Changing: If the size, shape, color, etc. changes, see your doctor. Also look for changes in symptoms such as itchiness, tenderness, bleeding, etc.)

See your doctor if you have a mole or birthmark that meets any of these criteria, or if you’re not sure. It is better to check with a physician than to ignore it, and your doctor will make note of the characteristics of the spot in question to follow up on during future visits. For more information on skin care and again, visit the National Institute on Aging at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/skin-care-and-aging.