31st MDG offers skin cancer avoidance tips

  • Published
  • By Capt. Sheva Nickravesh
  • 31st Medical Group
Aviano Air Base, Italy --  According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the number one form of cancer in the United States. More than a million new skin cancer cases are diagnosed each year leading to 10,000 deaths annually. 

Aviano members don't have to fall victim to skin cancer. Below are ways to identify and protect against it. 

· Make a daily habit of applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor or SPF of 15 or higher. 

Buy skin care products such as facial, lip and body moisturizers that have SPF. There are plenty of sun screen products for water activities as well. Apply these products as directed. 

· Wear sunglasses that protect from ultraviolet or UV rays. They may cost more but it's worth avoiding a trip to the doctor. 

· Limit time in direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are the strongest. Try to seek shade whenever possible.
· Protect the scalp and face from the sun by wearing a hat. 

· Be aware of mole changes by following the American Cancer Society's ABCD rule for detection: 

A is for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half. 

B is for Border: The edges are ragged, notched or blurred. 

C is for Color: The color is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown and black are present sometime with patches of red, white or blue. 

D is for Diameter: The mole or skin growth is larger than 6 mm, or about the size of a pencil eraser. 

Even the consistent use of protective measures such as sun block, hats, sunglasses and limiting exposure to direct sunlight does not always result in prevention of pre-cancerous or cancerous skin lesions. 

It is important to check skin regularly for changes, especially areas that are more often exposed to direct sunlight such as the face, neck and back. 

When cancer occurs, early detection is crucial and raises the cure rate. 

For more information, contact your primary care manager. To make a medical appointment, call Ext. 5000.