Lower Your Skin Cancer Risk This Spring Break

MILLBURN, N.J. (March 17, 2015) – Spring is quickly approaching, and that means many people are planning getaways to warm, sunny climates. Whether you’re prepping for a vacation from work or gearing up for a spring break trip, you probably have at least one thing in common: you are in search of that golden tan.

MoleSafe, which provides melanoma and skin cancer screenings in Millburn, NJ reminds you that one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – later in life. Additionally, your risk for melanoma also doubles if you have had five or more sunburns at any age. Follow these simple tips to maximize your skin protection and practice safe sun:

· Do not seek a base tan. There truly is no such thing as a “base tan,” and getting one will certainly not provide you with protection from the sun’s UV rays. Recent studies and research from the Melanoma Research Foundation show that tanning bed users have a significantly increased risk of developing melanoma. So, instead of visiting your local tanning salon to get an initial tan, or burn, practice safe sun with the additional tips below.

· Minimize exposure during the sun’s strongest and most powerful hours. 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is when the UV rays are strongest, so if possible, avoid the sun or minimize your time outdoors during these hours. Instead, try shopping, going out to lunch, or other fun festivities. If you are looking to be a beach bum or enjoy a day lounging at the pool, consider renting a cabana or bringing a large umbrella to help shade you from the sun for prolonged hours.

· Protect your skin. When you are enjoying the sun’s warmth outdoors, always wear a broad-spectrum and water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and be sure to get all exposed and non-exposed skin areas. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 1 ½ to 2 hours. Don’t forget that sunscreen is needed even on cloudy days, because approximately 50 – 80 percent of UV rays penetrate through the clouds. Wear a hat, UV-blocking sunglasses, a lip balm with an SPF, and wear protective clothing to cover your skin if and when possible.

· Monitor your skin and enroll in MoleSafe’s early detection screening program. Be proactive in your skin health by regularly monitoring your skin for any changes in the size or shape of existing moles and monitor your skin for new moles. It is also vital to enroll in MoleSafe’s early detection melanoma screening program, available in Millburn, NJ, to optimize your skin health. The MoleSafe program includes a full-body scan with the most advanced tools and technology. MoleSafe’s program aids in the earliest and most accurate detection of melanoma, while significantly reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies, which means less pain and suffering for the patient.

Prevention and early detection are the best defenses against melanoma. As you gear up for your vacation and warmer climate, keep these tips in mind and be sure to perform self-checks and enroll in MoleSafe’s early detection surveillance program to reduce your risk and get peace of mind.

To learn more or to schedule your initial appointment today, please call 1-877-326-6518 or visit http://molesafe.com/millburn/screening/.