Simple Ways to Protect From Skin Cancer
By: Elizabeth Harness
Updated: June 9, 2009
Its that time of year again. Time to put on a good sunscreen and get your skin checked.
"More than a million people a year are now getting skin cancer. Were seeing it in people who had a lot of sun exposure over the years. Were seeing it also more commonly in young people than we used to," said Dr. Stephen Xenias.
Even though were often under the clouds here in Rochester, skin cancer is still a risk. Judy Violanti of Irondequoit noticed her first suspicious spots 20 years ago.
"I was outside in the sun a lot and no protection," said Judy. "Then of course as I became a teenager, sunning was the thing to do and I did that for quite some time."
So what should you be looking for in terms of unusual skin changes?
"A mole that is irregular in its margin, the color-changing of a mole, if it turns black, if it is rapidly enlarging," said Dr. Xenias.
Since her first diagnosis, Judys had her skin checked regularly. Plus, she wears a sunscreen everyday.
"I think that helps, but I think the most important thing now for me to do in addition to sunscreen is to stay out of the sun," said Dr. Xenias.
Sunscreen protection varies. Dr. Stephen Xenias sets the following recommendations:
"Base is at least a #15, I recommend at least a number 30. It should be re-applied at least every couple of hours," said Dr. Xenias.
"More than a million people a year are now getting skin cancer. Were seeing it in people who had a lot of sun exposure over the years. Were seeing it also more commonly in young people than we used to," said Dr. Stephen Xenias.
Even though were often under the clouds here in Rochester, skin cancer is still a risk. Judy Violanti of Irondequoit noticed her first suspicious spots 20 years ago.
"I was outside in the sun a lot and no protection," said Judy. "Then of course as I became a teenager, sunning was the thing to do and I did that for quite some time."
So what should you be looking for in terms of unusual skin changes?
"A mole that is irregular in its margin, the color-changing of a mole, if it turns black, if it is rapidly enlarging," said Dr. Xenias.
Since her first diagnosis, Judys had her skin checked regularly. Plus, she wears a sunscreen everyday.
"I think that helps, but I think the most important thing now for me to do in addition to sunscreen is to stay out of the sun," said Dr. Xenias.
Sunscreen protection varies. Dr. Stephen Xenias sets the following recommendations:
"Base is at least a #15, I recommend at least a number 30. It should be re-applied at least every couple of hours," said Dr. Xenias.
