Shield yourself from skin cancer

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. The odds of developing it increase with age, so adults need to be aware of how to prevent and detect it. The major risk factor for skin cancer — and the most preventable — is excessive sun exposure. Others include having fair skin that freckles, a family history of skin cancer and more than 50 moles.

Check for moles
The speedy detection and treatment of skin cancer could save your life. It can erupt anywhere but tends to appear most often on the head, face, neck, hands and arms. Report any change in your skin to your doctor, especially a new growth or a sore that fails to heal within two weeks. Don’t wait for pain — skin cancer rarely hurts.

Remember the ABCs
A change in the size, shape, color or feel of a mole or an unusual new mole is often the first sign of melanoma, the rarest but deadliest form of skin cancer. When checking moles, remember the “ABCs” that may signal a problem:

• Asymmetry: One side of the mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border: A mole’s outline is jagged or blurry.
• Color: The color is uneven. You may notice different shades of tan, black and brown or areas of white, gray, red, pink or blue.
• Diameter: The mole is larger than ¼ inch in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• Elevation: The mole is raised above the skin’s surface.

Early detection is key
To detect skin cancer at an early stage, get familiar with your moles and birthmarks. Use a full length mirror to look over your entire body and become familiar with markings on your skin. Then, every month, check your entire body in the mirror for skin changes, including your back, scalp, and feet. A handheld mirror can also help ensure a thorough self-exam. Ask your doctor to check out any area of concern.

Walk on the shady side
Here are 10 tips to help save your skin:

1. Limit your exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
2. Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
3. Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before going outside and reapply it every two hours.
4. Spread sunscreen on your nose, ears, neck, hands and the tops of your feet. Cover any bald areas on your scalp. Don’t forget to wear a lip balm that contains sunscreen, too.
5. Use sunscreen year-round. The sun can damage your skin in the fall and winter, too.
6. Wear wrap-around sunglasses. The skin around your eyes is delicate and needs protection.
7. Choose tightly woven clothing that covers as much skin as possible. This is not a substitute for sunscreen, though.
8. Wear a hat with at least a 6-inch brim all the way around.
9. Be especially mindful if you take medications that boost sun sensitivity. These include many antibiotics, diuretics, antihistamines and antidepressants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your medications.
10. Skip tanning booths, which also produce damaging ultraviolet rays.