Ask the Doctors: Common Questions About Skin Cancer
We hope everyone is having a great summer. With the summer season comes hotter temperatures, more time spent outside, and an additional urgency to protect ourselves from the sun and its UV rays. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, making skin cancer the most common type of cancer in the US. While there is no such thing as a bad time to think about protecting your skin, the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine thought now would be the perfect time to answer some common questions about skin cancer and precautions that can be taken to help prevent it.
Should I wear sunscreen even on days when I don’t plan to be in the sun?
Yes. Experts agree that skin damage can occur after just a few minutes in the sun if the skin is not protected. Sun exposure during minor tasks like walking the dog, checking the mail, or stepping out for fresh air can add up over time. Additionally, you can also be exposed to UV rays when indoors or in your car. We recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, especially for any extended periods of being out in the sun.
How often should I be tested for screen cancer?
Skin cancer testing is essential to help prevent skin cancer or detect it while it is in its earliest and most treatable stages. Because a change in previous growths or moles is one of the primary indicators of skin cancer, we strongly recommend for patients come in for annual skin cancer screening appointments. If you notice anything irregular, you should come in for a screening as soon as possible. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with your skin and perform regular self-checks between appointments to keep tabs on any irregular activity.
Can getting a slight tan help protect me from skin cancer?
Unfortunately not. Despite what you may have heard, there is no such thing as a safe or protective tan. Tanning is the result of the skin experiencing slight DNA damage. Therefore, even a mild or slight tan will result in damage to your skin. This include natural tans as well as tanning beds. It only takes one damaged skin cell to turn cancerous.
Thankfully, nearly 90% of all skin cancer cases are preventable. In the event that you are diagnosed with skin cancer, it’s important not to panic. Our healthcare providers have extensive experience working with patients to create skin cancer treatment plans to help safely and effectively address skin cancer before it becomes more advanced and potentially dangerous. For more information on skin cancer or other health and wellness topics, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today to schedule an appointment. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, and Lilburn.
