It's Just a Mole. Or Is It?

The risk you can't ignore

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Protect Yourself from Skin Cancer


Sunscreen Basics

Since it takes about 20 minutes for sunscreen to start working, put it on before you go outside. Below, some guidelines:

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Use a sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. You can try one with an SPF of 30 or higher, but you won't get that much more protection. Look for the words "broad spectrum." An SPF protects you from ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which cause burns, but not ultraviolet A (UVA) rays, which penetrate the skin and cause wrinkles. Broad spectrum means the sunscreen blocks both UVB and UVA rays. Goop it on. Most people use only 20 to 50 percent of the amount they need. It takes an ounce -- a shot glass full -- to cover your body. Don't neglect less obvious areas like your ears and nose. Also protect your lips with a lip balm that has an SPF of 15. Fingernails are vulnerable, too, so put sunscreen on them or wear nail polish. Reapply sunscreen every two hours -- even on cloudy days. And slather on more after swimming or sweating. Water-resistant sunscreen can lose its oomph or rub off if you get wet.

The Smart Skin Checkup

Regular skin checks can catch cancer early. Ask your dermatologist how frequently you need to be examined. If you're at normal risk, once a year may be enough. Also, do a skin self-check every so often -- ideally once a month. Use a full-length mirror and a hand mirror, and enlist a friend or family member to help with hard-to-see areas such as your back. Draw a picture pinpointing where your moles are located -- and jot down a description of each one so you can easily detect changes. Contact your dermatologist if a mole or growth appears suddenly, gets bigger or looks different.

How to Recognize Skin Cancer





From: Seventeen