Skin Cancer Statistics

More than one million people nationwide are affected by skin cancer each year. This year alone, it’s estimated there will be close to 68,000 new cases with more than 62,000 of those being classified as melanoma -- the most serious type of skin cancer. More than 11,000 of those cases will result in death.

More than 11,000 of those cases will result in death. 

With the summer now in full swing it is very important to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun. Not only ca the sun make you look older, but if you are not careful, being a sun worshiper can also cost you your life!  

The following re just a few basic sun safety tips to help you not only look your best, but to help you prolong your life by reducing your risk for developing skin cancer, the second deadliest killer today.

Preventing Sun Damage and Skin Cancer

• Avoid the sun if possible between 11 am and 3pm, when the sun rays are the strongest.
• Wear clothing and hats that the sun cannot penetrate to prevent harmful ray exposure.
• Be cognizant that you can be exposed to damaging sun rays through windows, including those in your home, office and car. PROTECT YOURSELF.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Pick a sun screen with at least a 30 SPF (sun protection factor) if you’ll be outdoors more than 15 minutes.
• Make certain the sun screen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours.
• Remember to reapply sun screen after swimming or sweating a lot, or after more than a couple of hours outside.
• Consider a lip balm that contains an SPF of 15 or higher.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
• Know your ABCD's
• Asymmetry (one half of the mole does not match the other half)
• Border irregularity (the edges are ragged, notched, or blurred)
• Color (the pigmentation is not uniform, with variable colors of tan, brown, or black)
• Diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)