Make sure to keep your skin safe this summer
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Monroe, WA – Summer is right around the corner, but James Congdon, DO, a Valley General Hospital oncologist urges patients to keep their skin safe year round. “By doing simple, commonsense things, a person can usually prevent the onset of Melanoma,” states Congdon. “Melanoma is the most deadly of the skin cancers and although is curable in its earliest stages, it can be lethal while still localized.”

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer – accounting for about half of all the cancers. “Unlike other cancer, skin cancer is almost 100% preventable,” states Congdon. “And everyone is at risk for skin cancer, no matter what your skin color.”

Sun and heat aren’t synonymous words that describe year-round weather in Seattle, but because we live in an area rich in outdoor activities, it’s very important to protect your skin year-round.

The easiest thing we can do to help protect our skin from day to day is purchase a moisturizer containing sunscreen. According to The Skin Cancer Foundation (www.skincancer.org), “Look for a product labeled ‘broad-spectrum’ that has a rating that is SPF 15 or higher.
Below are a couple things to remember when spending time outside:
Wear a hat – A great way to protect your face and neck from the sun is to wear a hat.
Wear sunglasses – Don’t forget to protect your eyes. Make sure to purchase sunglasses with 100 percent ultraviolet (UV) absorption.

Avoid the heat of the day – Try to avoid spending time outside in the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are the strongest. If you’re looking to get outside early morning and late afternoon/evenings are preferable.

Look for shade – Keep the benefits of getting outside, while protecting your skin.