Skip the Skin Cancer This Summer

Skip the Skin Cancer This Summer

Despite the awareness about the importance of skin and sun protection in recent years, skin cancer diagnoses continue to grow. While it’s important to protect yourself year-round, it’s even more critical in the summer months when people tend to spend more time outdoors.

“Our skin is the human body’s largest organ, which is why it’s so important to protect it and make caring for it a priority,” says Kenneth Grossman, M.D., a dermatologist affiliated with Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center.

According to Dr. Grossman, the number one way to avoid skin cancer is to avoid getting burnt. He recommends seeking shade, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and using a broad spectrum sunscreen (UVA/UVB) with an SPF of 15 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.

“For prolonged outdoor activity, it’s essential to use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, applying it at least 30 minutes before venturing outside to give it time to soak into your skin,” says Dr. Grossman. “If you’re going to be swimming or sweating excessively, make sure to reapply at least every two hours. Don’t forget to apply sunblock to areas such as the top of your feet, neck, ears and top of your head.”

Another way to avoid skin cancer is to wear protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, or if you can, lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tanning and UV beds, which can also cause premature skin aging, should never be used according to Dr. Grossman. He also strongly encourages parents to keep newborns out of the sun and to apply sunblock on babies over six months of age.

One of the most important things you can do for your skin is to examine it frequently, says Dr. Grossman. “Consider getting your skin examined by a board-certified dermatologist at least once a year. On a regular basis, check your skin at home, looking for moles with asymmetrical borders, odd colors, or very large diameters. You should also keep an eye on their size and shape to determine if any are growing.”

If skin cancer is detected, there are a variety of treatment options depending on the type, cancer size, location, age of the patient, overall health, and where it’s located. “We most often cut out the cancerous cells, but sometimes, we can freeze and scrape them off,” says Dr. Grossman. In some cases, patients may also need to undergo radiation therapy to destroy the cells.

“Playing in the summer sun can be so much fun, but it’s important to take the proper precautions and to really pay attention to your skin,” Dr. Grossman continues. “There are so many different ways to protect yourself nowadays that we should not be seeing the numbers of skin cancer increasing the way we are. Have fun and enjoy being outdoors, but please do everything you can to protect yourself.”