Staying Safe in the Sunshine
When you live in a place as beautiful as Florida, being outdoors is appealing. It is the Sunshine state after all. But as usual…too much of a good thing can be bad for us. And the sun is no exception.
The risk of developing skin cancer is directly related to sun exposure over the years. Malignant melanoma is most often diagnosed in someone over age 65. Often a skin check can be included in an annual wellness visit. Or, you can ask specifically for an appointment for that purpose, or consult a dermatologist.
It is also a good idea to become familiar with any spots on your skin and be sure they aren’t a potential cancer.
You can self-check moles, birthmarks, or other parts of the skin for the skin cancer "ABCDE's:"
A = Asymmetry (one half of the growth looks different from the other half)
B = Borders that are irregular
C = Color changes or more than one color
D = Diameter greater than the size of a pencil eraser
E = Evolving; this means the growth changes in size, shape, symptoms (itching, tenderness), surface (especially bleeding), or shades of color
See your doctor right away if you have any of these signs to make sure it is not skin cancer.
Finally, you and your loved one can drastically reduce the risk of skin cancers with a few simple strategies.
The core recommendations for reducing your and your loved one’s sun exposure are:
Stay in the shade. Limit time in the sun, especially from 10am-4pm
Use sunscreen SPF 15 or higher
Wear sunglasses
Wear a wide-brimmed hat
Wear clothing from the neck to the ankles
Wear a long-sleeved shirt
