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It’s good timing that May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, as our Arizona sun has been in overdrive for weeks. At Fountain Hills Medical Center, we’re acutely aware of the danger and high prevalence of skin cancer in Arizona residents and want to make sure you are well-informed. So whether you need a refresher, or are hearing these for the first time, here are some things you need to know about the danger of skin cancer.

1. It’s more common than you think, and further-reaching. In fact, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with a sobering 9,500 people in the United States being diagnosed every DAY.
2. A person’s risk for melanoma doubles after getting five sunburns, but can also double later in life after getting just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence. 
3. Melanoma is thought to be the most dangerous type of cancer, but it’s just one in this foreboding family. The three main types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma.
4. There are some things that increase someone’s risk of getting cancer such as having fair skin, having blue or green eyes, having blond or red hair, and having a family history of skin cancer.
5. Although it’s the most common cancer, skin cancer is highly preventable. Precautionary measures include wearing long sleeves, wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher, and staying in the shade.
6. If the UV index is 3 or higher, you need to wear sunscreen. How can you tell what the UV index is where you are? The weather apps on some phones include it, and there are free weather apps you can download that feature it. But the surefire way to find out the UV index where you are is to ask your Siri or Google Assist.
7. You’ve have to get checked. For skin checks in Fountain Hills, the medical professionals at Fountain Hills Medical Center are ready to check your skin for any troubling or questionable areas. We’ll discuss the results with you and then refer you to a specialist if needed. Make an appointment or simply walk in, and get the peace of mind, or the call to action, that you need.
8. The age to start regular skin checks is younger than you might think. It’s recommended that the general population starts getting regular screenings for skin cancer in your 20s or 30s. However, if you have moles or a family history of skin cancer you should start sooner.
9. Know your ABCs. The way to easily remind yourself of the warning signs of melanoma, which is the most dangerous type of skin cancer, can be broken down like this:
   • A – asymmetry of a mole or spot
   • B – border (irregular or uneven)
   • C – color (variety of colors like black, brown, tan)
   • D – diameter (grows to be larger than the size of a pencil eraser)
   • E – evolving (changes in size, diameter, texture, color, or elevation)
10. Help is nearby. Anytime you have questions about how you can help prevent skin cancer in yourself or your loved ones, Fountain Hills Medical Center is ready to help. For medical advice in Fountain Hills, our compassionate and patient team of medical experts is here for you, your questions, and all your medical needs.

Sources:

• American Academy of Dermatology
• Skincancer.org
• Cdc.gov
• Dallasdermcenter.com