Summer is time to be proactive

The summer sun can make for rising temperatures and brighter days, leaving many to take precautionary measures in protecting their skin.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, and taking action to detect any early signs can make all the difference. Affecting more than 2 million Americans every year, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s also the easiest to cure if treated and diagnosed early.

“Early detection is always beneficial, and it can vastly increase cure rates as well as decrease burden and extent of surgery needed to remove the cancerous tissue,” said Dr. Scott Boniol with CHRISTUS Cancer Treatment Center.

While there are several treatment options for skin cancer, it is encouraged to stay proactive in maintaining skin health and early detection. Self-examinations are recommended and can be done at home with items commonly found around the house. One of the most important parts, however, is to take notes should anything be found that is questionable or concerning.

“You will need a bright light, a fulllength mirror, a hand mirror, two chairs or stools, a blow dryer – to move hair around to see scalp better, body maps – [which] can be downloaded and printed for free at skincancer.org – and a writing instrument to mark on the skin map any questionable lesions you have,” Boniol said. “When in doubt, take pictures of the lesions to compare over time, [and] try to keep distance from the camera to the lesion. Do not forget to check under breasts, between any skinfolds and the soles of the feet. Difficult areas are best evaluated using the hand mirror while seated, propping up body parts on stool if necessary.”

When scanning the body and using mirrors to examine various parts that may not be in the direct line of vision, be on the look out for any evolving or changing lesions that may be worsening over time. Ultimately, should there be any concerning spots or areas of the body, or you notice the changing lesions, a doctor’s appointment should be made.

“If you notice changes in your skin such as a new growth, a sore that doesn’t heal, a change in an old growth, irregular borders, change in color or loss of symmetry, you should be evaluated by a medical professional,” Boniol said.

Should an appointment be made after finding a questionable spot, it can be beneficial to both the patient and the doctor to be as prepared and educated as possible. It may be helpful to bring a list of questions if there are some particular concerns. Additionally, if the self-examination was performed and a body map was used, the marks made on the sheet will prove useful during the appointment.

“Just be able to point out the skin spots that are worrisome; know where they are,” Boniol said. “If you have to ‘search’ for a spot, [it can] send off signals that it is not worrying you that much. If you have a skin map, bring it with you. Also any pictures you have taken that document evolution are helpful, [and] make sure you know what date each photo is taken.”

Because the summer can mean more outdoor activity or beach vacations, there are many preventative measures families and individuals can take to ensure proper skin protection. Warmer temperatures may mean less clothing and more exposed skin, and Boniol said one of the most important things to do is seek protection in the shade.

“Shade, shade and shade,” he said.

“Avoiding prolonged direct sunlight is best. Hats, comfortable long-sleeved clothing ... sunscreen is good, with minimum SPF 15; higher numbers do not afford a lot more protection, but just because you have sunscreen on should not be an excuse for prolonged sun exposure as damage can still occur without burning. Try and plan indoor activities in the mid-afternoon when UV exposure is the highest.”

For those who enjoy outdoor activities or sporting such as golf, which can intensify UV rays with the reflection of water and ponds, the protective clothing, sunscreen and hats are especially useful. All preventative measures begin with being mindful and planning ahead – simple instructions that can prevent serious consequences with skin cancer. Being proactive and taking responsibility in detecting any warning signs can make all the difference. For more information on protecting the skin during summer activities or how to perform a selfexamination, go to www.skincancer.org.