When it comes to keeping yourself protected from skin cancer, you know that limiting unprotected sun exposure plays a crucial component.  After all, multiple studies have demonstrated a direct link between UV exposure and skin cancer. That’s why health experts tout the importance of wearing sunscreen whenever possible, regardless of whether it’s the winter or the middle of summer.

But is sun exposure the only cause of skin cancer?  Are there other contributing causes that you should be wary of?

As it turns out, sun exposure (or, more accurately, UV exposure) is still one of the main causes of skin cancer.  However, there are factors that can increase your likelihood of developing skin cancer.  These factors include:

• Genetics: If there’s skin cancer in your family history, then your likelihood of developing skin cancer significantly increases.  This is especially true if your direct relatives (parents, siblings, grandparents) have ever been diagnosed with skin cancer.
• Predisposition to moles: Individuals who frequently develop moles and freckles may be more prone to developing skin cancer. It’s important to keep track of all new moles and freckles, as well as mark any unusual changes in existing moles.
• Skin color: People with light eyes and fairer skin are more likely to develop skin cancer; however, that doesn’t mean that individuals with darker skin are immune.  It’s important for individuals to protect themselves with sunscreen (anything above SPF 30) whenever going outside.

Individuals should also avoid any activities where they’re heavily exposed to UV rays, including tanning beds.  Multiple studies have attributed tanning beds to the rise of deadly skin cancers, especially in women under the age of 25.

At Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center, our dermatologists can identify, diagnose, and treat the most common types of skin cancer.  To learn more about our skin cancer expertise, schedule a consultation at Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. & Aesthetic Center today.

Quick – what’s the one thing you can do right now that will improve your odds of living a long and healthy life?

Forget drinking a kale smoothie or logging hours on the treadmill.  One of the best ways to make sure you enjoy a long life is to check yourself for signs of skin cancer.

Unfortunately, skin cancer is on the rise, with deadly melanoma being one of the most diagnosed cancers in younger people (particularly women) under the age of 30.  Given all we know about sunscreen and keeping safe under the summer sun, it’s more important than ever to educate yourself on the signs of skin cancer.

Fortunately, it’s incredibly easy to perform your own skin cancer check – all you need is a hand mirror, a bathroom mirror, and a few minutes of your time!

• Start by examining your face. Check for moles, pink lesions, and freckles that may have changed in size and appearance.  Check the front of your neck as well.

• Turn your back to the bathroom mirror and hold your hand mirror to your face. Examine the back of your neck in the bathroom mirror, as well as your back. 

• Examine your chest, arms, and stomach for the same unusual lesions, moles, and bumps.

• Use the hand mirror to examine the backs of your legs. Check the front of your legs as well.

• Check your feet, as well as the soles of your feet and between your toes.

It’s important to do this skin cancer check at least every six months, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors.  At this frequency, you can stay vigilant for signs of skin cancer.

If you spot any dark or oddly colored moles, pink lesions, or bumps that look like pimples, you should schedule a consultation with a dermatologist or skin cancer specialist right away.

Contact Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. and Aesthetic Center to schedule your skin cancer consultation. With seven offices located in the Atlanta metro area, you’ll be able to visit a Skin Cancer Specialists, P.C. near you!