Skin Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Screenings

By Umer Ansari, MD

US Dermatology Partners Fairfax

. https://www.usdermatologypartners.com/

More Cancer Awareness Articles

Skin Cancer Awareness, Prevention, and Screenings

Good skin care begins with sun protection. Wear moisturizer with sunscreen daily. The best sunscreens are broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or greater- reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating. Make sure that your sunscreens are non-comedogenic, which means they won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. If wearing makeup, you can apply a powder sunscreen over your foundation to touch up your sun protection during the day. Daily sunscreen use can also slow the appearance of aging and wrinkles. When outdoors, try to seek shade and remember to reapply your sunscreen. Your dermatologist can help create and refine the right skincare routine and make sunscreen recommendations for you!

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. However, with early diagnosis and treatment, patients have a better prognosis and higher cure rates.

Certain characteristics can put you at increased risk for skin cancer. If you have a personal or family history of skin cancer, previously had frequent sun exposure, tanning bed use, or sunburns, or have fair skin, red hair, and freckles, you may be at higher risk for skin cancer. Additionally, certain medical conditions including immunosuppression and history of transplant or radiation can put you at higher risk of skin cancer. Yearly skin checks (and sometimes more often for people with increased risk factors for skin cancer) are recommended.

Changing, dark, or new moles, non-healing wounds, bleeding or painful spots on the skin, new rough areas, or new bumps can be signs of skin cancer. Your dermatologist can help evaluate these spots and initiate a treatment plan that is right for you.

Whether for a mole check, a skin cancer screening, or other skin problems, your dermatologist can help you address and treat these concerns.