How Do You Know If It’s Skin Cancer?

How Much Do You Know About Skin Cancer?

As summer heats up, it’s time to put sun protection at the top of your to-do list. May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the perfect reminder to brush up on how to keep your skin safe. While UV rays can speed up aging, causing wrinkles and sagging, the real danger is more serious: they significantly increase your risk of skin cancer the,  most common cancer in the U.S.

Let’s test your sun smarts with a quick true-or-false quiz:

• You can only get skin cancer on areas exposed to the sun.
  False. Skin cancer can develop almost anywhere on the body — even in areas that rarely see the sun.
• Tanning beds are safer than the sun.
  False. Tanning beds emit UV rays that can be just as harmful — if not more so — than natural sunlight.
• A “base tan” helps protect your skin from sunburn and cancer.
  False again. A base tan offers little protection and can actually cause skin damage.
• Changes in moles or marks can be a sign of skin cancer.
  True. If you notice any changes in shape, size, or color, get it checked right away. Early detection makes skin cancer highly treatable.

No matter your age, skin tone, or gender — everyone is at risk. But the good news? Skin cancer is largely preventable. Here’s how to protect yourself:

Smart Sun Safety Tips

• Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• Wear protective clothing, including wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses
• Always wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 — even on cloudy days. Up to 80% of UV rays can still get through the clouds.
• Remember that sand, water, and snow can reflect UV rays and intensify exposure.

Do a self-check regularly using a full-length mirror. Don’t forget easy-to-miss spots like your scalp, soles of your feet, between your toes, and under your arms. Know the Signs: The ABCDEs of Melanoma