May is skin cancer awareness month.
Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer - it is still rare but the rates have been increasing over the last 30 years.
Here are some Melanoma facts:
The American Cancer Society is predicting more than 100,000 new cases of melanoma in the US this year, with as many as 6,800 people dying from this type of skin cancer
First sign of melanoma is often a change in shape, size, color or texture of an existing mole.
Risk of melanoma increases with age.
It is also the most common type of skin cancer in young people, especially young women.
Risk factors: family history melanoma, sun-damaged skin, UV light exposure, certain types of moles, a family history of melanoma, being white and having freckles.
Most people with melanoma are cured by their initial surgery. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99 percent. Survival depends on the thickness of melanoma, lymph node involvement, and whether there is spread to distant sites. Immunotherapy is the newest treatment for advanced melanoma and this treatment utilizes your immune system to fight the cancer.
Be sun safe and get screened. We know that early detection saves lives
“Do you use protection?” This month the American Academy of Dermatology is asking because we know that UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer. Our answer is yes!
Choose sunscreen that is safe for you and the environment.
Choose sunscreen that is made from zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Avoid oxybenzone, oxytinoxate, homosalate, PABA ingredients.
Use sunscreen that is SPF30 and water-resistant.
Use sunscreen that shields both UVA and UVB rays
And we also remember to:
Seek Shade
Avoid the sun between 10 am and 2pm
Wear protective clothing
Avoid indoor tanning
Our favorite sunscreen is by Beautycounter. It meets all of the safe sunscreen requirements: smells good, lightweight, water resistant, and easy to apply. Click on the link or visit our Resources tab and find Beautycounter in the dropdown menu. And remember to get any changing moles examined by your healthcare provider!