Love the Skin You’re In: Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer
Your skin does a lot for you—protecting you from external elements, regulating your body temperature, and helping you look your best. But are you doing enough to protect your skin? Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, yet it’s also one of the most preventable.
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin cancer occurs when skin cells grow abnormally, often due to excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun or tanning beds. The three main types of skin cancer are:
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC): The most common type, often appearing as a shiny bump or red patch.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC): Often looks like a scaly, rough patch or sore that doesn’t heal.
- Melanoma: The most dangerous type, usually appearing as a mole that changes shape, size, or colour.
Signs to Watch For:
Early detection is key. Use the ABCDE rule to identify potential warning signs:
- A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.
- B – Border: The edges are irregular, jagged, or blurred.
- C – Colour: The mole has multiple colours, such as black, brown, red, or blue.
- D – Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- E – Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or colour over time.
If you notice any of these signs, consult a dermatologist promptly.
How to Protect Your Skin
Preventing skin cancer starts with daily habits:
- Use sunscreen daily: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, even on cloudy days.
- Cover up: Wear hats, sunglasses, and clothing that shields your skin from UV rays.
- Seek shade: Avoid the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Avoid tanning beds: They emit harmful UV rays that increase your risk of skin cancer.
- Check your skin regularly: Use the head-to-toe method to monitor moles and spots for any changes.
More Information
Click on the following link https://youtu.be/u0zkXEYsa7U to watch a short informative video by Dr Alan Carlston on what to look out for and how to prevent skin cancer.
Your skin is constantly working to keep you healthy. Did you know it completely renews itself about every 28 days? That’s 1,000 skin renewals in a lifetime! By protecting it, you ensure it stays resilient and healthy.
Loving your skin means taking proactive steps to protect it. Use this month to educate yourself and your loved ones about skin cancer prevention and early detection.
Let’s keep your health and wellness on autopilot!