What's the most frequent cancer in the American population? Colon? Breast? No, it's skin cancer, says the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Fortunately, it's highly curable when caught early. At Sand Dermatology in Chino Hills, CA, skin cancer concerns Dr. Aman Sandhu and Dr. Diem Pham. So, they are all about early detection and prevention. Learn more.
The sun
It's both your friend and your enemy. Why is it your enemy? Sun exposure is the leading precipitating factor in basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the localized but disfiguring skin cancers common in the US. UV radiation also contributes to deadly malignant melanoma, cancer which spreads quickly and aggressively throughout the body.
Age and more
Of course, age also is a risk factor in the development of skin cancer. In general, the older you are, the more susceptible your skin is.
Also, light skin, family history, a lowered immune system, and a large number of moles (more than 50) may set the stage for any one of these skin cancers.
Prevention and detection
Detection is both your business and your dermatologist's. Drs. Sandu and Pham like to see their over-40 patients yearly for a complete skin exam. At home, you should do a self-exam once a month, looking for changes in moles and for sores that do not heal quickly or spots and freckles which change in color, size, shape, and texture. Anything which continually itches, oozes, or bleeds is a potential problem, too.
Of course, prevention is the best cure. Here's how to reduce your chances of developing skin cancer:
- Apply SPF 30 sunscreen lotion every day to exposed skin areas, such as your face and arms. If you sweat or go in the pool, re-apply as needed.
- Avoid the direct sun between 10 am and 4 pm. If you are outside at this time, cover up with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat. Sit in the shade.
- Do not engage in artificial tanning. The AAD reports that indoor tanning increases your chances of developing malignant melanoma by as much as 20 percent.
- Do not burn. Sunburns raise your skin cancer risk astronomically.
Your best skin
Simple skincare precautions and vigilance really protect you from all kinds of skin cancers. For more information on having and keeping your best skin, call Sand Dermatology in Chino Hills, CA. Phone us for a consultation with Dr. Aman Sandhu and Dr. Diem Pham: (909) 313-5111.
