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Take Steps to Protect Yourself Against Skin Cancer

Are you doing enough to protect yourself from skin cancer? May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and with summertime just around the corner, it’s time to take steps to reduce your risk. Skin cancer is dangerous, but in most cases, you can prevent it.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis in the U.S. An estimated 91,270 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma — the most dangerous form of skin cancer — in 2018, and about 9,320 Americans will die from melanoma this year. In West Virginia alone, 720 will be diagnosed this year.

And while melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers can lead to significant pain and disfigurement if they are not detected early on. If left untreated, they can also be lethal.

Everyone is at risk for skin cancer regardless of age, skin color or gender. You may be at increased risk of skin cancer if you have fair skin, freckles or skin that burns easily; smoke; spend time in the sun or use sun lamps or tanning booths; or have the human papillomavirus (HPV).

If you have darker skin, your risk is lower, but you still need to protect yourself. African-Americans and Hispanics are usually diagnosed late, after the cancer is more likely to have spread. Pay close attention to parts of your body that have less pigmentation, like the soles of your feet, palms and the areas around your nails.

Most skin cancer develops from sunburns experienced as a kid, so sun protection should begin early. Whether your family is headed to the pool or to the playground, make sure you’re all wearing broad spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, and be sure to reapply every two hours.

You should also avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves if possible.

And if you’re saying to yourself that you always wear sunscreen when you’re headed outside for long periods of time in the summer, that’s not enough. Skin damage can occur any time of year, even on cloudy days and during short periods of time outdoors. You’re even vulnerable when you’re in the car — the left side of the face is a common place for skin cancer to develop because of the time many Americans spend driving with their skin unprotected. Indoor tanning is not a safe alternative — no tan is safe.

Even if you follow all these tips to reduce your risk, you need to pay attention to your skin. Use the ABCDE Rule when looking at moles (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color that is not uniform, Diameter greater than 6 mm, and Evolving size, shape or color), and visit your health care professional if you notice any of these characteristics or other changes to your skin. For more ways to reduce your risk of cancer, visit www.preventcancer.org.

Mary G. McKinley, RN, MSN, CCRN, from New Martinsville, is a critical care nurse with over 30-years of experience. She is married to Congressman David B. McKinley, P.E. from the first district of West Virginia, together they have four children and six grandchildren.

Even though her husband’s congressional duties usually require him to be in Washington during the week, Mary has continued her work as a nursing consultant and still resides at their home in Wheeling, with frequent trips to Washington. She graduated from West Virginia University and is a partner at the firm Critical Connections. She is the past president at American Association of Critical Care Nurses and is a published author on nursing, critical care and health policy.

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