Student Health Services: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Skin cancer is the most common cancer and is also the most preventable. You can take action now to prevent skin cancer by doing the following.
Wear sun protection. Either in the form of clothing or 30+ SPF sunscreen — and seek shade when outdoors.
Know your moles, ABCs and check monthly. Changes in the size, shape and color of a mole need to be evaluated.
Avoid tanning. There is no such thing as a safe or healthy tan, tanned skin is damaged skin.
Avoid excessive exposure to the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you choose to be outdoors at this time, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
Common Myths
“I don’t burn, so I don’t need to worry as much about sunscreen.”
- Every time you tan, you increase your risk of developing sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging.
"I’m stocking up on my Vitamin D.”
- Vitamin D is important, but 10-15 minutes of sun is plenty for most people — remember it takes 15 minutes for sunscreen to begin working. You can get vitamin D by consuming milk, eggs, salmon, tuna and mushrooms, too!
For more information, visit Student Health Services this summer. Make an appointment at shs.regis.edu or 303.458.3558.