Richmond moms enjoy lots of time in the sun and so do their kids. That makes it even more important than ever to protect skin every day.
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States – one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in
the course of a lifetime. While it is always important that we remember this valuable information from the National Cancer Institute, as we plan to spend more time in the sun during the summer months, awareness and prevention become even more essential.
Melanoma is one type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, cells that make the pigment melanin. It may begin in a mole (skin melanoma), but can also begin in other pigmented tissues, such as in the eye or in the intestines.
“ABCDE” can help you remember what to look for in existing or new moles:
- Asymmetry: The shape of one half does not match the other half.
- Border that is irregular: The edges are often ragged, notched or blurred in outline. The pigment may spread into the surrounding skin.
- Color that is uneven: Shades of black, brown and tan may be present. Areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue may also be seen.
- Diameter: There is a change in size, usually an increase. Melanomas can be tiny, but most are larger than the size of a pea (larger than 6 millimeters or about 1/4 inch).
- Evolving: The mole has changed over the past few weeks or months.
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect yourself from the harmful rays of the sun:
- Avoid outdoor activities during the middle of the day. The sun’s rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When you must be outdoors, seek shade when you can.
- Remember that the sun’s rays can be reflected by sand, water, snow, ice and pavement. Its rays can also go through light clothing, windshields, windows and clouds.
- Wear long sleeves and long pants. Avoid loosely woven fabrics.
- Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades your face, neck and ears. Keep in mind that baseball caps and some sun visors protect only parts of your skin.
- Wear sunglasses that absorb UV radiation to protect the skin around your eyes.
- Use sunscreen lotions with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply the product’s recommended amount to uncovered skin 30 minutes before going outside and apply again every two hours or after swimming or sweating. Be sure that your sunscreen lotion filters both UVB and UVA radiation.
Take precautions to prevent skin cancer for you and your child, and have fun outdoors this summer!
Thanks to Virginia Women’s Center, which is a Richmondmom.com advertiser, for this valuable information.
