UV Safety Awareness Month at Abraham Family Medicine

Now that the summer is officially here, it’s important to be aware of the Sun’s UV rays and the potential risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the US each year. While protecting your skin from the Sun is most important during the summer due to warmer temperatures and more time spent outdoors, the truth is that it is imperative to take the necessary steps to protect yourself year-round. That’s why the healthcare providers at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to provide some easy steps on how to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer:

• Be mindful of the time of day. The Sun is at its strongest between 10 am and 4 pm Daylight Saving Time (or 9 am and 3 pm standard time).
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 every day, year-round. On days when you plan to be outside for an extended period of time, we recommend using a water-resistant, broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Reapply often during the day.
• When possible, wear clothing that will protect your skin like long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
• Be extra cautious around surfaces that reflect like water and sand that can lead to an increased risk of sunburn and skin damage.
• Do not use tanning beds, as their ultraviolet light can cause premature skin aging and greatly increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Perform regular self-examinations of your skin and do not hesitate to speak with a healthcare provider if you notice any irregular spots on your skin.

When looking out for skin cancer, it can be very helpful to use the ABCDE system of detecting irregular marks on the skin. “A” is for asymmetry. “B” is for an irregular or poorly defined border. “C” is for odd or varying colorization. “D” is for a diameter of 6mm or greater. And “E” is for evolving marks that change over time.

Like any other form of cancer, the earlier that skin cancer is detected and diagnosed, the easier it is to treat. These precautions are especially important for people with a family history of skin cancer. Regardless of whether you notice any unexpected changes or marks on your skin, we recommend visiting with a doctor at least once a year for a professional skin exam to make sure that your skin is healthy. For more information on skin health or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.