The Truth About Skin Cancer – Spotting Red Flag Advice
May is skin cancer awareness month, so we like to take a moment to talk about it. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in America and it’s also the most preventable. So, let’s take a look at the truth about skin cancer, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, and how you can prevent it.
Why Is Awareness Important?
People of any age or skin tone can develop skin cancer. Unfortunately, many people underestimate the seriousness of skin cancer. They don’t take proper sun safety precautions, or they fall for misinformation regarding skin cancer risks. Misinformation and dangerous online trends are putting people at higher risks of skin cancer. We aim to bust those myths and expose the truth about skin cancer.
Diagnosing and Treating Skin Cancer
When it’s caught early, skin cancer is very treatable. One of the best things you can do is perform a self-exam each month to look for any new or suspicious spots. If you find something, you should see your dermatologist as soon as possible. An early diagnosis gives you the best chance of cure.
How to Spot Skin Cancer Misinformation
In a wordless of endless information at our fingertips, it can be difficult to spot health misinformation. Sometimes, people share advice without even realizing its misinformation, or dangerous. Here are three red flags when it comes to skin cancer information.
Indoor Tanning
If the advice recommends indoor tanning, it’s misinformation. No tan is safe, harmless, or healthy. In fact, tanning beds produce UV radiation that is 10-15 times more powerful than the sun’s peak rays. Every time you tan, or get sunburn, you damage the DNA in your skin. This damage never goes away. It builds and builds, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.
If you’ve just GOT to have a tan, we recommend a self-tanner.
Sunscreen Myths
If you’re told to avoid using sunscreen, it’s misinformation. The FDA has approved sunscreen to protect skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreen can reduce your risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and signs of early skin aging. The AAD recommends choosing sunscreen that offers:
- Broad spectrum protection
- SPF 30 or higher
- Water resistance
Remember, for sunscreen to offer protection, it must be used correctly. That means wearing it everyday and reapplying in a timely manner.
Only Protecting Skin on Sunny Days
If the advice says to only protect your skin on hot, sunny days, it’s a red flag. Sun can damage your skin on any day of the year, at any temperature. In fact, snow reflects sunlight in a way that actually doubles your exposure. Sunscreen and sun safety aren’t just for hot summer months. They should be used year-round to protect skin and reduce risks of skin cancer.
The AAD recommends the following precautions to protect your skin when outdoors.
Wear sunscreen daily. Apply it on all skin not covered by clothing and reapply every two hours, or sooner if you’re in water.
Wear sun protective clothing. Long sleeved shirts, pants, a wide brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection are great choices. You can even choose clothing with UV protection factor to provide even more protection.
Seek shade when possible. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you can’t avoid being outdoors during these hours, choose a shady spot. A good rule of thumb is to seek shade anytime your shadow is shorter than you.
The Truth About Skin Cancer
Knowing how to spot misinformation is important and can help you reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, sunburn, and premature aging. If you’re unsure about something, speak to your dermatologist about it. And don’t forget to schedule your yearly skin cancer screening. Remember, early detection is key.
At Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, we are proud to provide personalized, effective treatment that blends cutting edge science and artistry to give you the results you desire. Contact Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center today to schedule a consultation.
