5 Easy Steps to Check for + DECREASE Your Skin Cancer Risk

As we get into summer months, especially in the Pacific Northwest, we all LOVE and want to soak up every bit of sun possible! And while sun is healthy and important for things like vitamin D, it is also important to be aware of the risks associated with sun exposure - the number one risk being skin cancer.

Skin Cancer is the MOST common cancer in the United States and worldwide (www.skincancer.org). Here are some facts we know:

  • 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.

  • More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour.

  • Having 5 or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.

  • When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for melanoma is 99 percent.

While these figures may seem concerning, there is SO much you can do to both identify early skin cancers and to PREVENT skin cancer for you and your loved ones! So let’s talk about what those are

Here are 5 simple steps you can take to PROTECT your skin which can help to PREVENT skin cancer for you and your loved ones:

  1. Wear wide-brimmed hats + long sleeves

  2. Seek shade, especially in peak hours of sun (10am - 4pm)

  3. AVOID sunburns + tanning beds

  4. Use broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15-30 or higher when you will be in the sun. Our FAVORITE Sunscreen for Adults is MyChelle and is available to our patients tax free + 10% off  on our Fullscript! *Message your provider to get a prescription. Our FAVORITE Sunscreen for Children is ThinkBaby

  5. Examine your skin regularly and seek medical care if you notice new or concerning changes. 

When examining your skin for potential skin cancer or concerning skin changes you are looking for things that are NEW, CHANGING, or UNUSUAL or things that are not healing after 3 weeks. We find it helpful to use the acronym ABCDE for this! If you see any of these change you should see your doctor for further evaluation:

  • A = Asymmetry. If you draw a line through the mole or spot of concern, it should look similar side to side NOT asymmetrical.

  • B = Border. Borders should be smooth and even NOT rough or scalloped

  • C = Color. You should see one color NOT various shades/multicolored, red, white, pearly, blue, transparent.

  • D = Diameter or Dark. Lesions that are darker than others or ¼ inch in diameter or larger should always be looked at

  • E = Evolving. New, changing, or unusual shapes, colors, or sizes or findings such as bleeding, itching, or crusting should all be evaluated

When in doubt, the safest choice is always to check in with your medical team!

Have questions about protecting your skin from skin cancer or concerns about lesions you’re seeing? We invite you to schedule a visit with our team!

- Neighborhood Naturopathic staff

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