Statistics show that one in five Americans will develop skin cancer over their lifetime, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Limiting sun exposure and using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day can help reduce your risk of skin cancer in Seattle. Still, a recent study shows that non-melanoma skin cancer can also increase the risk of developing other types of cancer.A recent study published in Cancer, Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention suggests that younger patients diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer may be at a higher risk of developing other types of cancers, such as melanoma, bone cancer, salivary gland cancer, and cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract.
Reducing Your Risk of Skin Cancer in Seattle
The American Cancer Society (ACS) reports that more than 3.5 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, but there are some things that you can do to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer at any age.Some of the best ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer, according to the ACS, include:
- Avoiding the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Staying in the shade when possible
- Wearing protective clothing made with tightly-woven fabrics
- Applying sunscreen throughout the day
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears, and neck
- Wearing sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption
- Avoiding tanning beds and sun lamp
We also recommend having moles and other unusual skin growths checked in a timely manner. Early detection is key to getting the treatment you need and regular self-examinations can alert you to any significant changes in your skin. Northwest Face & Body can also perform a full-body exam to determine whether any freckles, moles, or spots need to be treated.
Skin Cancer Seattle Treatment Options
The team at Northwest Face & Body offers several skin cancer treatment options and most can be performed under local anesthesia. We can remove small lesions with excision and larger lesions with reconstructive surgery.If you are concerned about a mole, a skin growth, or are seeking skin cancer treatment options, set up a skin cancer consultation with Northwest Face & Body today!
