Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer across the globe. Understanding the facts about skin cancer will help keep you and your family protected.
What You Should Know About Skin Cancer
There’s a lot of information out there about skin cancer, but here are some of the most useful facts to know:Â
- Anyone can get skin cancer. Skin cancer does not discriminate. Therefore, no matter your skin color or race, you can be diagnosed with this form of cancer.Â
- Many people get skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation. Whether ultraviolet rays are coming from the direct sun or indoor tanning, they damage your skin regardless.Â
- The strongest ultraviolet rays from the sun are from 10 am to 3 pm. Staying indoors in the summer during this time frame might not always be an option for you, especially if you have little ones home from school, work outdoors, need to run errands, or have other obligations. If you need to be outside between these hours, make sure you are seeking shade when possible and wearing long clothing to block your skin from the sun.
- Skin cancer can develop anywhere on the skin. The most common places for skin cancer to develop are the face and torso. However, any part of the body that the sun is directly shining on is at risk.
- There are detectable signs of melanoma that can help you diagnose it early. Because melanoma spots are different from other sun spots, you can detect them early if you’re giving yourself self-exams. If you notice a mole has changed in color, shape, or size, it’s important to see a dermatologist.Â
Detect Melanoma Early With The ABCDEs
Did you know that you can detect melanoma, a highly aggressive form of skin cancer known for spreading quickly through the body early by doing regular self-exams? To do your self-exam, follow the ABCDEs of melanoma:
- A is for asymmetry.
- B is for border.
- C is for color.
- D is for diameter.
- E is for evolving.Â
Learn About Clinical Trials at Skin Care Research
It’s important that you understand the facts about skin cancer and ways to protect your skin. If you do develop an unusual new growth or experience changes in an existing mole, you may be interested in skin cancer clinical trials.
Our DermTech Biopsy for Melanoma trial is not currently enrolling but we are accepting submissions. Call 561-948-3116 for details about the studies conducted at our Boca Raton, Hollywood, Tampa, Miami, and Dallas offices.
