May is "National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month"

May is "National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month". Skin cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal skill cells. Skin cancer occurs when unpaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers mutations that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States with one in five Americans developing it in the course of a lifetime. It is also the easiest to cure, if diagnosed and treated early.

Tips to lower your risk of skin cancer include:

• Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher with both UVA and UVB protection.
• Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
• Stay in the shade, especially during midday hours.
• Avoid indoor tanning.

It is time to make an appointment with your doctor when you notice any kind of change to your skin that may worry you. Not all skin changes are caused by skin cancer. Your doctor will investigate your skin changes to determine a cause.

For more information, please visit the American Academy of Dermatology website at www.aad.org.