Newport Beach Chriopractor: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

May is the official month dedicated to skin cancer awareness. Remember that although you may have a genetic predisposition for skin cancer, we are all susceptible due to increased ultraviolet ray exposure from sunlight. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer; it affects roughly 2 million Americans per year.

In light of this, here are a couple things to remember:

1. Self Examinations

Regular self-examinations are very important, so that you are able to detect any changes in your skin quickly. It's also important to teach your children to self-examine as well- so that they're educated. Things to look for include a growth that has increased in size and is translucent, brown, black or multicolored. Also look for any moles, birthmarks or brown spots on your body that increase in size, change color, has an irregular outline, is bigger than the size of a pencil eraser, or appears after age 21.

2. Sun Protection!

Skin cancer is the most treatable and preventable cancer. Ideally, avoid the danger hours of sunlight exposure and seek shade from 10AM to 4PM. Obviously we can't avoid the sunlight all the time, and we don't necessarily want to! Therefore protect yourself. Wear sunhats and cover-ups at the beach, and SUNSCREEN! To be truly affective you need to apply about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to your body 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours- or as needed.