1 IN 5 AMERICANS WILL DEVELOP SKIN CANCER IN THEIR LIFETIME.

Skin cancer represents the most common type of cancer in the United States. The two most prevalent are basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer. Melanoma represents a less common but more aggressive and deadly form of skin cancer. Nearly 70,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year and it causes 8,700 deaths. Five or more sunburns more than doubles your risk of developing potentially deadly melanoma.

One way to protect yourself from skin cancer is by protecting your skin from getting too much of the sun’s ultraviolet light. It’s especially important to avoid getting sunburned as this increases the risk of melanoma. Using sunscreen (at least SPF 30) and wearing UPF protective clothing, including a hat with a brim, are good ways to do this.

While sun protection is important for adults, it’s even more important for children. The average American experiences most of their sun exposure before the age of 18. Even one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles your chances of developing melanoma later in life. Annual full body scan exams are recommended for anyone who has had more than one blistering sunburn in their lifetime and all adults over the age of 50. Make an appointment today with one of our board-certified dermatologists!