Skin Specialist Urges People To Protect and Check Skin During Skin Cancer Awareness Month

NEW ORLEANS - May 13, 2014 - PRLog -- National Skin Cancer Awareness Month is in full swing as people across nation are spending more time exposed to the sun during outdoor activities. Skin cancer, with more than two million Americans diagnosed yearly, and one in five adults diagnosed during their lifetime, is the most common form of cancer in the United States and accounts for approximately half of all cancers in the country. Fortunately, the disease is highly preventable when certain precautions are taken and easily treatable when diagnosed early.

Dr. Keith LeBlanc Jr., founder of The Skin Surgery Centre based in Metairie, Louisiana, urges everyone to protect and check their skin regularly, regardless of skin color, to reduce chances of developing cancer.

“Most skin cancer is tied to sun exposure, often when people wear less clothing and/or stay outside longer without adequate protection from the sun,” said Dr. LeBlanc. “Many people aren’t aware of how devastating the sun can be to unprotected skin. Skin awareness and protection absolutely needs to be a part of everyone’s daily routine.”

The three most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Of these three, melanoma is the most life threatening and causes the vast majority of deaths from skin cancer. Individuals most susceptible to skin cancer include those with red or blonde hair, those with light (blue or green) eyes, those who possess naturally lighter skin, and those with a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers.

In order to help protect locals from skin cancer, which annually affects more people than lung, breast, colon and prostate cancers combined, Dr. LeBlanc offers the following skin care tips:

Examine Your Skin – Be aware of the following symptoms and any suspicious growths or marks on the skin. Check yourself often and if any of the symptoms are present, see your dermatologist as soon as possible.

• A small lump (spot or mole) that is shiny, waxy, pale in color, and smooth in texture
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• For pigmented lesions (moles) look for the ABCDE’s: Assymmetry, Border Irregularity, Color Irregularity, Diameter >5mm, Elevation/Evolution
• A sore or spot that bleeds or become crusty. Also look for sores that don't heal
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• Rough and scaly patches on the skin
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• Flat scaly areas of the skin that are red or brown
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• Any new growth that is suspicious

Avoid Peak Hours – More than 90% of skin cancer is caused by excessive exposure to the sun. The easiest way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid being in the sun during the peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest. An extra rule of thumb is the “shadow rule.” If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s harmful UV radiation is stronger; if your shadow is longer, UV radiation is less intense.

Use Sunscreen – If staying out of the sun isn’t an option, a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with a SPF30 or higher every day is recommended. For extended periods of sun exposure, be sure to re-apply thoroughly every 3-4 hours.

Cover Up – Be sure to cover up exposed areas of skin by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses that wrap around the eyes, and appropriate clothing to cover arms and legs. Densely woven and bright-or-dark-colored fabrics offer the best defense. The more skin covered, the better, so choose long sleeves and pants whenever possible.

Avoid Indoor Tanning – Indoor tanning methods involving tanning beds, tanning booths, or sunlamps should be avoided as they can expose users to harmful UV rays. The more time an individual spends tanning indoors, the higher his or her risk of skin cancer. Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent, and their risk for the two most common forms of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, by 15 percent.

See your dermatologist every year for a professional skin exam.

About The Skin Surgery Centre
Based in Metairie, The Skin Surgery Centre is a state-of-the-art facility for surgical and cosmetic treatments to maximize the health and appearance of skin. The Centre specializes in Mohs micrographic surgery and reconstruction as well as the latest minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, including botulinum toxins, soft-tissue fillers, chemical peels, and anti-aging skin care regimens. For more information, please visit http://www.theskinsurgerycentre.com.