Important Skin Cancer Risks and Prevention Tips

When you're busy enjoying the warm summer weather and basking in the sun's rays, rarely do you consider the risks of UV exposure and skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3 million new skin-cancer patients are diagnosed each year in the United States. Learn more about how you can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by protecting the largest organ of the human body, your skin.

The Truth About UV Exposure

Some people are under the impression that prolonged UV exposure is the only way that you can develop skin cancer. In actuality, the length of time that you spend in the sun is not the only skin-cancer risk factor. This is why using a broad-spectrum sunblock is recommended, even on cloudy or rainy days.

Other Skin-Cancer Causes

Like other forms of cancer, skin cancer can be hereditary. The use of tanning beds can also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, people with certain skin types or a weak immune system are prone to heightened skin-cancer risk. Skin cancer is also linked to moles. If you have a beauty mark that you were born with that has changed in shape, texture, or color, you will want to be checked out at a dermatology clinic such as Strnot Dermatology for further analysis. Generally, flat moles or beauty marks are not indicators of skin cancer.

Skin-Cancer Treatments

Skin cancer is treated by excising and eliminating the cancerous cells with specialized surgical methods. Various skin-cancer surgery techniques are utilized to eliminate cancer and ensure that it does not return. In some cases, skin cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body, which is why it is critical to have any abnormal spots or moles biopsied and tested as soon as possible. If the cancer is caught quickly, you can arrange for skin-cancer surgery to be performed conveniently in a doctor's office.

The sun's rays can reach us even when we think that we are well protected. Damaging UV rays can enter your home via windows, skylights, and doors and even while driving. Protect your skin all year long by wearing longer layers and applying a strong sunblock on all areas of exposed flesh. Being diagnosed with skin cancer can be frightening , but if you seek treatment quickly and carefully follow your doctor's advice, you are likely to have a swift recovery.

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