May is National Melanoma and Skin Cancer Prevention Month.
Since its inception in 1979, The Skin Cancer Foundation has always recommended using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen. However, sunscreen alone is not enough. To prevent skin cancer, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends these important tips:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
- Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning beds.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Pay special attention to the face, neck, head and ears.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Watch the driver’s side car window. Fifty-three percent of all skin cancers occur on the left or driver’s side of the body. The UV light coming through car windows can damage your skin. To combat this, consider having your car windows tinted, wear sunscreen or a long-sleeve shirt, avoid propping your arm/elbow out the window, if you drive with the sunroof or convertible top down – wear sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide brimmed hat.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month. Make note of any new moles or any existing moles that change in appearance (follow the ABCDE rule).
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam. The largest skin cancer screening study to-date shows that regular full body exams by physicians can cut melanoma deaths by fifty percent.
Casey & Devoti is a St. Louis-based personal injury law firm. Together Partners Matt Casey and Matt Devoti have nearly 40 years of trial experience. They handle a variety of personal injury matters, including: car, truck and train accidents, victims of impaired and distracted driving, medical malpractice and birth injuries, product liability, slips/trips/falls, elder care and sexual abuse, Workers’ Compensation, and wrongful death. Matt and Matt proudly serve clients throughout metropolitan St. Louis, southeastern Missouri and southern Illinois. If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligence of another, call the office today for a free, no-obligation consultation: (314) 421-0763.
