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As summer nears, we all want to spend more and more time in the sun. Keep in mind that the sun can do more than just prematurely age your skin!

Did you know that skin cancer is the most common of all cancers? In the United States, it accounts for almost half of all cancer cases. According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million cases of non-melanoma skin cancer are found in the United States each year.

Here is some advice from the American Cancer Society. You can learn more about skin cancer at: http://www.cancer.org

If you have any concerns, you should contact your physician immediately – it’s always better to be proactive!

What are the risk factors for skin cancer? According to the American Cancer Society, risk factors for non-melanoma and melanoma skin cancers include:

• Unprotected or excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Fair complexion
• Occupational exposure to coal tar, pitch, creosote, arsenic compounds or radium
• Family history of skin cancer
• Multiple or abnormal moles
• Severe sunburns as a child

What are the signs and symptoms of skin cancer? Skin cancer can be found early, and both doctors and patients play important roles in finding skin cancer. If you have any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor.

• Any change on the skin, especially in the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth or spot, or a new growth
• Scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or change in the appearance of a bump or nodule on the skin
• The spread of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that spreads past the edge of a mole or mark
• A change in sensation, itchiness, tenderness, or pain

Can skin cancer be prevented? According to the American Cancer Society, the best ways to lower the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer are to avoid intense sunlight for long periods of time and to practice sun safety. You can continue to exercise and enjoy the outdoors while practicing sun safety at the same time. Here are some ways you can do this: (Note, many of these are also excellent tips for helping prevent premature aging of the skin!)

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Seek shade: Look for shade, especially in the middle of the day when the sun's rays are strongest. Practice the shadow rule and teach it to children: If your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest.

• Wear a shirt: Cover up with protective clothing to guard as much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose comfortable clothing made of tightly woven fabrics that you cannot see through when held up to a light.

• Wear sunscreen: Use sunscreen and lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen (about a palmful) and always reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast days.

• Wear a hat: Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.

• Wear sunglasses: Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.

• Follow these practices to protect your skin even on cloudy or overcast days. Remember, UV rays travel through clouds.

• Avoid other sources of UV light. Tanning beds and sun lamps are dangerous because they can damage your skin.

• Learn more at http://www.cancer.org

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