May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. and when detected early is highly curable. According to the American

Cancer Society, nearly five million people are treated for it each year. It is estimated that 7,650 people will die from melanoma, the deadliest type, in 2022. 90% of all skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation and sun exposure. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and a great time for a reminder to take care of your skin.

There’s No Such Thing As A Good Tan!

When your skin changes color due to UV radiation, your skin cells have been damaged and putting you at risk for cancer. Damage from UV rays can also lead to premature from a tanning bed; the harm is the same. Every year, indoor tanning causes more skin cancer diagnoses than smoking-related lung cancer diagnoses. Even if you only go to the tanning bed infrequently, you are still at risk. Indoor tanning just once a year increases your risk of basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, by 10 percent, and using the tanning bed more than six times a year increases your risk by 82 percent.

Lather On The Sunscreen!

If you are going to be in direct sunlight, apply that sunscreen. As a before going outside, and don’t just set it and forget it – reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.

When choosing your sunscreen, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends looking for + SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher (this includes lip balm, as well) + the broad-spectrum label, which means it protects against UVA and UVB radiation + waterresistant lotions that will hold up to sweat or swimming.

Schedule a Skin Cancer Screening!

Get in the routine of regular skin aging, including wrinkles, loose skin rule of thumb, adults should apply self-exams. Become familiar with and brown spots. It doesn’t matter an ounce covering the entire body. your skin from your head to your if your tan comes from the sun or Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes toes. Finding it early, when it’s small and has not spread, makes skin cancer much easier to treat. People who work outside, have a family history of skin cancer, light skin that freckles or burns easily, or red or blond hair are more at risk. Skin cancer presents in many different ways, including:

• A new, expanding or changing growth, spot or bump on the skin

• A sore that bleeds and/or doesn’t heal after several weeks

• A rough or scaly red patch, which might crust or bleed

• A wart-like growth

• A mole (or other spot on the skin) that’s new or changing in size, shape or color

• A mole with an odd shape, irregular borders or areas of different colors.

If something looks and feels different, have it checked by a physician or dermatologist. Having a skin cancer screening is simple and one of our best tools in spotting cancer early.

You still have time to register for the 31st annual Free Skin Cancer Screening Event at the CHRISTUS Cancer Treatment Center, located on the CHRISTUS Highland campus. This event is in partnership with Dermatology & Skin Surgery team. It is slated for Monday, May 23, from 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Screening takes just a few minutes and does require pre-registration. Slots will fill quickly. Call 318.656.7698.