Each year, millions of people are diagnosed with skin cancer, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. At DermSurgery Associates in Houston, our dermatologists and mid-level professionals see firsthand the devastating effects this disease can have—and the lifesaving difference that early detection and prevention can make. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and there is no better time to talk about skin cancer screening and protecting your skin, recognizing early warning signs, and embracing habits that can quite literally save your life.
The Scope of the Problem
Skin cancer doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all ages, races, and skin types. The three most common types are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the most dangerous form, melanoma. While basal and squamous cell carcinomas are highly treatable when caught early, melanoma can be deadly if not diagnosed in time. Alarmingly, melanoma rates have been rising steadily for decades.
What Causes Skin Cancer?
The primary culprit behind most skin cancers is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. UV rays can damage the DNA in our skin cells, leading to mutations that result in cancer. Even on cloudy days or in winter months, UV exposure can occur. The truth is simple: there’s no such thing as a safe tan from UV rays.
Prevention Starts with Protection
One of the most empowering facts about skin cancer is that it’s largely preventable. Here are some essential steps I recommend to all my patients:
- Use sunscreen daily: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
- Seek shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Wear protective clothing: Long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses can significantly reduce your exposure.
- Avoid tanning beds: These devices are a direct source of harmful UV radiation and are strongly linked to increased skin cancer risk.
Know the Signs
Early detection saves lives. Regular self-exams and professional skin checks are vital. Use the ABCDE rule to identify suspicious moles or lesions:
- Asymmetry
- Border irregularity
- Color variations
- Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
- Evolving in size, shape, or color
If you notice anything unusual or new, don’t wait—see a dermatologist.
Take Action Today
As someone who has diagnosed and treated countless cases of skin cancer, I cannot emphasize enough how powerful early intervention is. I’ve seen patients go from early warning signs to total recovery simply because they acted fast. I’ve also seen the heartbreak that can follow delayed diagnosis.
This Skin Cancer Awareness Month, I encourage you to schedule your annual skin exam, educate your loved ones, and commit to daily sun protection. Your skin is your body’s largest organ—and it’s worth protecting. Call any one of our Houston dermatology offices to make an appointment at (713) 791-9966 or request a consultation online.
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