Skin Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need To Know
Beauty is skin deep… and so is skin cancer. Did you know that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70? This type of cancer is the most common type in the U.S., but it’s also the most treatable, when caught early.
It’s incredibly important to understand what you can do to protect yourself from all types of skin cancer. Let’s start with the hard facts.
Get The Facts About Skin Cancer
The majority of skin cancers have been linked to exposure to harmful UV rays. Ultraviolet light is an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. This type of radiation plays a huge role in the most dangerous type of skin cancer called malignant melanoma.
- More than 2 people die of skin cancer every hour in the U.S.
- An estimated 197,000 cases of melanoma will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2022.
- The number of melanoma deaths is expected to increase by 6.5% in 2022.
The most common signs of skin cancer are new growths, changes on your skin, a sore that doesn’t seem to be healing. It’s vital to keep an eye on your skin for these changes, and take action when necessary.
What You Should Look For
A simple way to remember the visible signs of melanoma is to follow the A-B-C-D-Es! If you answer yes to any of these questions, we recommend talking to your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible.
- Asymmetrical: Does the mole/spot have one half unlike the other half?
- Border: Is the border irregular, scalloped or poorly defined?
- Color: Does the color vary in shade?
- Diameter: Is the mole/spot larger than the size of a pencil eraser?
- Evolving: Have you noticed the mole/spot has changed in size, shape or color in the past few weeks or months?
Risk Factors
It’s possible for anyone to get skin cancer, however people with certain traits are at a greater risk. These traits include the following:
- Lighter skin color
- Skin that burns or freckles easily
- Blue or green eyes
- Blond or red hair
- History of skin cancer in the family
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Old age
What You Can Do To Protect Yourself
In addition to wearing protective clothing, sunglasses, hats, etc., it’s essential to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Regular use of an SPF 30 or higher reduces the risk of melanoma by 50 percent. Learn more about the SPF products we have available at Adriane Advanced Skincare:
Adriane Skin’s Clear Protect SPF 45 provides the highest possible level of protection while restoring youthfulness to the skin. Derived from Knotweed Extract, our botanically-based active is the first of its kind, preventing damage from infrared radiation, which is believed to be just as detrimental to skin health as UVA & UVB.
Adriane Skin’s Hydra Tint SPF 44 is a water-resistant, physical sunscreen that features a moisturizing base with a sheer, universal tint that is beneficial for most skin types.This product is light enough to wear alone or under makeup for everyday protection.
Adriane Skin’s Physical Sport 50+ is a specially formulated, fast-absorbing sunscreen that hydrates without leaving the skin feeling greasy or heavy. This product is ideal for active and on-the-go lifestyles as well as children.
Adriane Skin’s Mineral Protect Powder+ Antioxidant Complex is your on-the-go SPF! This product can be applied after makeup, on the scalp, and other areas where a liquid SPF isn’t ideal. Stick this magic product in your purse and you’re ready for all-day protection!
For more tips on reducing sun exposure, visit our other blog.
