We all like to spend time outside – particularly in the beautiful Florida weather. And people love that Florida allows you to stay tan all year long, too. But with great sun comes great risk. Even minimal sun exposure can leave you at risk for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer with 3.3 million Americans diagnosed each year. The risk increases as you age, but is also one of the most common cancers in young adults. Basically, it can happen to you!
Sunscreen, proper coverage, hats, and limiting sun exposure are the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer. This includes during the winter and when you’re just going to be outside for a few minutes. A face moisturizer with SPF and keeping sunscreen in your car or purse is a great way to be always prepared.
Early detection is the most effective way to increase your survival rate if you do have skin cancer. We recommend a self-skin exam at the very minimum, once a month. An easy way to do a self-examination is the ABCD’s.
- Ais for ASYMMETRY: One-half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
- Bis for BORDER: Normal spots have smooth edges. Cancerous spots may have irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
- Cis for COLOR: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black or sometimes with patches of red, white, or blue.
- Dis for DIAMETER: Normal spots are about the size of a pencil end about 1/4 inch- anything larger is worrisome.
- Eis for EVOLUTION: If there is any change to the spot or growth.
Supriya Tomar, MD, is a knowledgeable and experienced board-certified and fellowship-trained dermatologist who offers skin cancer screenings, biopsies, and treatment at Supriya Aesthetic Dermatology for those who live in Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach County.
For more information on skin cancer or other types of medical dermatology and how you can protect yourself, call our office today at 561.328.0163.
