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It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month Know how to detect and protect ARTICLE PROVIDED BY: » Naomi Simon, MD and Scott Paviol, MD Board Certified Dermatologists
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f someone said you could save your life by taking a look at your skin, would you do it? As dermatologists, it’s something we encourage everyone to do. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. Some experts say as many as 30 to 40 percent of all light-skinned Americans will develop at least one skin cancer by age 65. But people of all colors, including those with brown and black skin, get skin cancer. Our Lake Norman community is especially vulnerable with our temperate climate and outdoor lifestyle. As the largest organ of the body, our skin sees a lot of sunlight during its lifetime. Over the years, the effects of sun damage cause the epidermis to crack and thin out and destroy collagen and elastin in the dermis, leading to wrinkles and bruising. Brown “sun spots” may also 22 LimitlessMagOnline.com | May 2020
appear on areas exposed to the most sun. And with DNA mutations from UV damage, skin cancers can form. It is important to note, however: even if you never sunburn, you can still get skin cancer. The good news is that all skin cancers are visible, and when caught early, are highly treatable. Examining your skin is key to identifying changes in your skin. Use a mirror to look at your back and other areas you may not typically see. The American Academy of Dermatology website, AAD.org, has excellent information and videos about how to do a “selfcheck” and noting lesions and changes on your skin. If you have a history of sun exposure, tanning bed use, sunburns as a child (or adult), a history of previous skin cancers, or numerous moles, it is critical to check your skin regularly at home
for any new or changing skin growths. You should see a dermatologist if you have any new moles over age 40, any moles that are changing shape, size, color, border, symmetry, or itching or bleeding, or any new growths that scab, bleed, or “never seem to heal.” Your dermatologist may recommend that you get regular skin cancer screenings if you are at high risk for developing skin cancer. Ask your doctor questions and have a real discussion about your skincare. Dermatologists can recognize, remove, and biopsy areas as necessary, and they can also recommend the best ways to prevent further sun damage. Regardless of your “skin history,” make a commitment now to protect yourself. Some simple things you can do include: · Apply sunscreen (SPF of 30 or higher) 30 minutes before going outdoors.
· Limit exposed skin by wearing wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and pants. · Avoid peak sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Wear sunglasses that block UV rays. · Seek shade whenever possible. With one person dying every hour from the disease, the statistics for melanoma are staggering. Isn’t it worth taking a few minutes every day to improve your odds? Learn more: Mooresville Dermatology Center 128 Medical Park Road, Suite 201 Mooresville, NC 28117 Phone: 704.235.1827 MooresvilleDermCenter.com Mooresville Dermatology Center is committed to the education detection and treatment of skin cancers and has detected and treated over 6000 skin cancers in the Lake Norman region in just three years.
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