Sun Safety 101: Preventing Skin Cancer Through Healthy Habits

Skin cancer is the most common form in the United States. That is why your doctors at Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO, want you to understand how lifestyle can help you avoid such a diagnosis. Personal body checks and watching sun exposure can help prevent skin cancer.

How to Prevent Skin Cancer in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO

Regardless of the season or activities you're doing outside, you must protect your skin with an SPF of 30 or over. The most common forms of skin cancer occur from UV ray exposure. UV rays can also seep through windows and cars. Therefore, protect yourself from excess exposure by adding window tinting to your cars and home or office windows that have direct sunlight.

In addition to using topical SPF coverage, wear wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved loose clothing to protect yourself outside. Avoid excessive time outside when the sun is the most direct between 10 AM and 2 PM. Conducting regular skin checks is essential, as you know your body more than anyone else does. Regular skin self-exams help you quickly notice unusual moles or lesions popping up. 

Don't hesitate to make an appointment for skin screening with the team at Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center when you notice an issue with your skin. You should have an annual skin screening with the team as part of regular prevention. However, you may need more frequent visits if you have several moles or a history of skin cancer.

Why Prevention Matters

This cancer is highly treatable with a very high recovery rate. Dermatologists have a range of procedures to treat cancerous moles and lesions ranging from Mohs Surgery to radiation to excision. The earlier you catch it, the less invasive treatment doctors must use. That also means you can preserve as much healthy skin as possible and avoid potential disfigurement. 

Skin cancer can also spread to other parts of the body and be fatal when not treated in time. Melanoma is the most dangerous form of such cancer. Therefore, it is essential to treat this as seriously as any other cancer diagnosis to prevent it from worsening.

Skin Cancer in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Trinidad, CO, is highly preventable and treatable when you monitor and take care of your skin. The Skin Cancer and Dermatology Center medical team is here for you. Make an appointment with us by calling the Colorado Springs, CO, office at 719-574-0310, the Pueblo, CO, office at 719-564-5544, or the Trinidad, CO, office at 800-290-2478. We look forward to seeing you for a screening soon!