Skin Cancer: Prevent. Detect. Live

Skin Cancer:

PREVENT. DETECT. LIVE.

Lindsey Gaworecki, RPA-C, MSPAS

May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month and summer is right around the corner! With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is America's most common cancer, with 1 in 5 people being diagnosed by the age of 70. Despite its widespread danger, early diagnosis is crucial and when detected early, skin cancer is highly treatable. It is recommended to schedule annual full body skin checks with your medical provider and in between visits, perform monthly self-exams using the ABCDEs of melanoma (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color changes, Diameter changes of any size but pay close attention to any spots greater than 6mm, and Evolving). If you find any new or suspicious spots on your skin, or any spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, contact our office. At Syracuse Plastic Surgery, our trained providers will do a physical examination with a special scope to illuminate and magnify spots in order to check all parts of your skin including your hands, feet, and scalp.

What is skin cancer?

It is an abnormal growth of skin cells that starts in the skin’s top layer and when changes to these cells occur, the cells grow quickly leading to a cancerous growth. There are several different types of skin cancer including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type followed by squamous cell. Melanoma is less common but is more aggressive because it has the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Whereas, the nonmelanoma skin cancers (BCC and SCC) rarely spread to other parts of the body.

Am I at risk?

Anyone can get skin cancer but there are some groups of people who are at a higher risk. People who are fair skinned with light hair and light eyes are more likely to develop skin cancer. Other highrisk factors include sunlight and tanning bed exposure, a history of blistering sunburns, a family history of skin cancer, and being over the age of 50.

You can still have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer by following these recommendations:  Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and remember to reapply every two hours even on cloudy days, or after swimming/sweating  Seek shade when appropriate and remember the sun's rays are strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Wear sun-protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses  Avoid tanning beds

Protecting your skin is in! We have listed a few of our favorite sunscreens that we recommend to all of our patients and can also be purchased on our website:  Noon MultiVit Sun Protector SPF 30- UVA/UVB/HEV/IR protection with the added benefits of vitamins to improve hydration and prevent cell damage  Noon Brush & Go SPF 50- Translucent mineral powder giving protection against UVA/UVB/IR rays  ColorScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield

SPF 50- iron oxide pigments that bloom in your fingertips to deliver tone-adapting buildable color coverage with a matte finish available in fair, medium, tan, and deep shades  ColorScience Lip Shine SPF 35- a touch of gloss with sun protection, available in 5 shades

To schedule an appointment, ask for a referral from your primary care physician. You can book online by scanning the QR code below or by calling our office at 315-299-5313. SWM

ASSOCIATES FOR WOMEN’S MEDICINE IS PLEASE TO WELCOME THESE AMAZING HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS TO OUR TEAM!

Sarah Schoch, MD Kaitlin Corona, FNP-C Mary Kate Hauck, PA-C Taylor Reardon, PA-C

Cassie Hunsberger, FNP-C

AWM provides a full range of gynecologic services in a quiet and comfortable private practice setting. Our services are devoted to addressing the individual needs and concerns of our patients. We provide routine and preventive care services, as well as’a full range of minimally invasive surgical procedures performed in our fully accredited Surgical Center. For those requiring a hospital setting, AWM physicians can also provide surgical procedures at St. Joseph’s Hospital and several local surgical centers. Our comprehensive Obstetric services include low & high risk pregnancy; infertility; recurrent pregnancy; along with contraception and family planning. Now Featuring 2 Mammography Centers at our locations for performing 3D Mammography Screenings & Breast Ultrasounds!

For more information, visit afwomensmed.com or call 315-422-2222 to make an appointment!