{"id":3696,"date":"2025-05-04T18:34:43","date_gmt":"2025-05-05T01:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.advancederm.net\/?p=3696"},"modified":"2025-05-04T18:34:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T01:34:43","slug":"may-is-skin-cancer-awareness-month-are-you-doing-enough-to-protect-your-skin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.advancederm.net\/may-is-skin-cancer-awareness-month-are-you-doing-enough-to-protect-your-skin\/","title":{"rendered":"May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Are You Doing Enough to Protect Your Skin?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the sun begins to shine brighter and longer, May marks more than just the unofficial start of summer\u2014it also kicks off Skin Cancer Awareness Month<\/b>, a crucial time dedicated to educating the public about the risks, signs, and prevention of the most common type of cancer in the United States. Each year, over 5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed, making awareness and proactive skin care more important than ever. At Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer, one of our main priorities is bringing skin cancer<\/span><\/a> awareness to the forefront so our patients have the tools they need to protect their skin.<\/p>\n

The Scope of Skin Cancer<\/b><\/p>\n

Skin cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the skin’s outermost layer. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the more dangerous melanoma. While basal and squamous cell cancers are generally treatable, melanoma can spread quickly and become life-threatening if not caught early.<\/p>\n

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation<\/span><\/a>, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Alarmingly, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than with all other cancers combined. Skin cancer is also one of the most preventable<\/b> and treatable<\/b> cancers when detected early.<\/p>\n

Why Prevention is Key<\/b><\/p>\n

Many cases of skin cancer are directly linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV rays damage the DNA in our skin cells, leading to mutations that can result in cancer. Fortunately, by adopting sun-safe behaviors, individuals can significantly reduce their risk.<\/p>\n

Building healthy daily routines is important to helping prevent skin cancer. \u201cI remind my patients to wear sunscreen any time they\u2019re exposed to the sun and encourage them to remind their loved ones to do the same,\u201d said Dr. Paul Dunn, one of Advanced Dermatology & Skin Surgery\u2019s Board-Certified Dermatologist. Wearing broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), and wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses can all help safeguard your skin. Avoiding tanning beds altogether is another crucial step, as just one indoor tanning session can increase the risk of melanoma by 20%.<\/p>\n

Early Detection Can Make a Difference<\/b><\/p>\n

Regular skin checks\u2014both at home and with a Dermatology Provider – are essential for catching skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages. The \u201cABCDE\u201d rule<\/b> is a helpful guide for identifying potentially cancerous moles:<\/p>\n