UV Safety Month
The warm sun in July reminds us to protect our skin from the harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while outdoors. It’s easy to forget that protection is important year round and for all ages.
It’s even more important to protect aging skin from environmental factors. Since people are living longer, those that reach the age of 65 can expect to live, on average, 2 more decades. The cancer statistics data in the United States shows that the cases of melanoma continue to increase between the age of 80 to 84 years old. As we age, our skin changes and becomes thinner and our weakening immune system makes it harder for our skin to heal. By taking proactive measures today, you can significantly lower your risk of developing skin cancer and enjoy those additional years with healthier skin.
What can you do to protect your skin?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association https://www.aad.org/member/advocacy/promote/uv-awareness recommends following these three simple steps while outdoors:
- Seek shade when appropriate
- Wear sun-protective clothing such as a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved shirt
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
Early detection is key.
Most skin cancer is curable if diagnosed and treated early enough. The Skin Cancer Foundation https://www.skincancer.org recommends self-exams once a month. If you see anything that’s new, changing, or unusual, get it checked out by your dermatologist right away. It’s also important to get a full body check by a professional each year.
Many older adults think that the damage is done and it’s too late to make a difference. In truth, it’s never too late to reduce your skin cancer risk!