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Posts for tag: Melanoma Monday

By DermacenterMD Team
May 02, 2016
Category: Uncategorized

Today is National Melaoma Monday- a day to bring awareness to a potentially deadly form of skin cancer. Often times skin cancer is not thought of as being as dangerous as other forms of skin cancer, but in reality it is just as dangerous. In fact, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It is estimated that one in every five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cacner at some point in their lifetime and it is estimated that more than 8,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the U.S. everyday. 

Those are some pretty astounding statistics. Thankfully, the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell and squamous cell cancer, are easily treatable and rarely spread. However, melaoma is very dangerous and can potentially be life threatening. That is why it is so important to check your skin at least once a month, as well as have your skin examined by a dermatologist once a year. Catching melanoma early is the key to sucess. 

In honor of Melanoma Monday, take some time today to read about how other's lives have been touched by skin cancer. It can happen to anyone at any age reguardless of skin tone or ethnicity. The American Academy of Dermatology asked people to share their personal stories to help shed light on the dangers of melanoma. Below you will find the link to read the stories on their webiste.

AAD Personal Stories of Skin Cancer: https://www.aad.org/public/spot-skin-cancer/get-involved/share-your-story/personal-stories

Also, in addition to seeing your dermatologist every year, it is important to be checking your own skin on a regular basis to look for any suspicious lesions. In this video, Dr. Moore shares the ABCDEs of melanoma so you can be aware of what to look for when you examine your own skin.

ABCDEs of Melanoma: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFOWxd0hu78

If you believe you have a suspicious lesion, give us a call at 574-522-0265 to scheudle your skin check today! It could save a life!

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By Dr. Moore
May 04, 2015
Category: Skin Cancer

 

Today is a special day to remind us just how important it is that we protect our skin from the sun. Today is Melanoma Monday, and the aim of this day is to raise awareness of the most deadly form of skin cancer. The entire month of May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and it is important to understand that everyone, despite age, race or skin type is at risk for skin cancer. In fact, 1 in 5 Americans will have skin cancer at some point in their life. Skin cancer is common and it could happen to you. However, there are ways to prevent skin cancer and reduce your risk. Here are 5 different ways you can protect your skin from developing skin cancer:

1. Wear Sunscreen-

This is perhaps the most important of all the ways to prevent skin cancer. You should be wearing sunscreen 365 days a year! The sun beats down on on us each and every day, even if we don't see it. You should be sure to apply sunscreen whenever you go out. When selecting your daily sunscreen, be sure to get an SPF of at least 30 and make sure it contains at least one of these ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or parsol 1789 (avobenzone). Also, it is important to apply enough sunscreen when you go out. If you are going out for an extended period of time, you should be applying 2 tablespoons of sunscreen every 2 hours.

2. Avoid Sun-

If you forget your sunscreen, you will want to avoid the sun as much as possible. Wearing a hat and long sleeves and long pants will also help to reduce your sun exposure. It is important to know that the sun is hottest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so you should seek shade whenever possible, especially between those hours.

3. Check your skin monthly-

Skin cancer is treated most easily when it is caught early. If you set aside time every month to check your skin, you will know if something suspicious shows up. Checking your skin monthly allows you to catching anything unusual early and then get in to see your dermatologist as soon as possible. When checking your own skin, don't forget to look in hard to see places like your scalp, back, bottoms of your feet and between your toes. You may ask someone who cares about you to help you in this process to ensure that every inch is checked.

4. Know what to look for-

When you check your skin it is important that you know the signs of skin cancer. The most important thing to remember is that if you have a new or changing mole or lesion, you should have it checked. The following diagram contains the ABCDE's of melanoma:

5. Annual Full-Body Skin Exam-

Last but certainly not least, it is essential to have your skin checked by a skin professional at least once a year. Your dermatologist knows what to look for. In fact, Dr. Moore is a skin cancer expert. He will look you over head to toe to ensure that nothing is suspicious. If he does find something suspicious, he will most likely perform a procedure known as a biopsy to test the site to make sure it does not contain skin cancer. If he does find skin cancer, you can rest easy knowing you are in good hands. Here at DermacenterMD, we offer to most comprehensive and state of the art treatments for skin cancer.

If you or someone you know is concerned about skin cancer, do not hesitate to call our office and set up your skin cancer screening exam. It could save your life, or the life of someone you love!

Call today! 574-522-0265. No referral is necessary.

 

 

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