Summer is upon us which means it’s a great to remind women of all ages about the importance of sun safety. The women’s wellness physicians and OB/GYNs at All About Women in Gainesville are committed to helping you take care of yourself in every way, including your skin.
Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers. Melanoma consists of only 5% of skin cancers, but is the deadliest of them all.
According to the American Cancer Society, in 2014 there were 76,100 cases of melanoma in the United States, resulting in 9,710 deaths. Unfortunately, the number of melanoma cases has been increasing for at least 30 years. The most common area for women to get melanoma is on the legs, specifically the calves; whereas for men it is on the back.
Melanoma generally does not occur in children or young adults, but in people 30 and older. If caught early enough, it can be treatable. If you see any strange marks or moles on your skin, it is important that you see your doctor immediately. It may not be anything serious, but better safe than sorry.
Below are some tips to help do all you can to avoid this devastating form of cancer:
- Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Try to avoid the sunlight during midday when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF to protect against UVA and UVB rays. Reapply often if you are outside for a long period of time. Also, reapply after you have been in the water.
- Avoid tanning beds.
- Lay something over your skin if you are unable to be in the shade or cover up areas of your skin with clothing to avoid getting sunburned.
- Keep a close watch on any moles you may have and get them checked out by a dermatologist yearly.
At North Florida’s All About Women health practice, we want you to be the healthiest you possibly can be. Following these sun safety tips won’t protect you from melanoma completely, but they will certainly help.
Have you found a compassionate and knowledgeable women’s wellness physician you feel you can trust? If not, please consider contacting our Lake City or Gainesville location to schedule an appointment.
