Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes. While melanoma isn’t as common as other skin cancer types, it has a higher tendency to spread.
Defending yourself against melanoma is crucial to preserving the health of your skin throughout your life. To lower your risk of developing melanoma, follow these steps:
Always Wear Sunscreen.
Applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 protects exposed skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It’s important to wear sunscreen whenever you’ll be exposed to the sun, even if only through a window and on cloudy days. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re swimming, sweating, or in direct sunlight for a prolonged period.
Limit Your Time in the Sun.
While some sun exposure is important so that your body can absorb vitamin D, excessive sun exposure will put you at risk of developing melanoma and other types of skin cancers. Especially when the sun is the most intense (in the middle of the day), try to limit your time in the sun. Covering up with clothing, hats, and sunglasses can reduce your exposure at times when sunlight is at a peak.
Avoid Tanning Beds.
A single tanning bed session can increase your risk of developing melanoma by 20%. When it comes to skin cancer, there’s no safe way to tan. To prevent this form of cancer, avoiding tanning beds completely is essential.
Attend Annual Skin Cancer Exams.
During skin cancer examinations, your doctor will check your entire body for signs of skin cancer. Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer are much more treatable in their early stages. So, skin cancer exams can prevent signs of melanoma from going years without being identified, ensuring that you receive the treatment needed to stop it from spreading.
The experienced team at The Bowman Institute provides meticulous skin cancer exams to help protect you against melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!