What increases your risk for skin cancer?
Skin cancer screenings performed annually are an essential way for patients to monitor for changes on the skin that may indicate a serious problem. At Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills, we encourage patients to be proactive about their health and maintain these visits. Skin cancer can be easily spotted, biopsied, and diagnosed by a medical professional. The earlier the condition is caught and treated, the more likely patients can avoid life-threatening complications. The team at Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills is here to help Short Hills, New Jersey area patients educate themselves on the risk factors that contribute to the chances of developing skin cancer during one’s lifetime.
Risk factors for skin cancer
There are two main causes of skin cancer, which include ultraviolet rays from the sun, as well as ultraviolet rays from tanning beds. UV light can cause mutations in skin cells that may develop quickly into malignant tumors or skin growths that may indicate that cancer is present. Patients who are diagnosed with skin cancer are often diagnosed with one of three types, including BCC (basal cell carcinoma), SCC (squamous cell carcinoma), or melanoma. If patients take good care in protecting their skin from sunlight with sunblock every day and avoiding the use of tanning beds, they can greatly reduce their risk of developing skin cancer at any point during their adult years.
How do I protect the skin?
There are ways patients can protect their skin to reduce their risk factors.
- Avoid the use of tanning beds, and consider alternative options such as tanning lotions or spray tan options.
- Protect the skin from the sun every day, especially between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm when the sun’s ultraviolet rays are at their strongest.
- Use sunblock on exposed skin every day, focusing on using a sunblock with a higher SPF.
- Visit with a professional for a skin cancer screening on an annual basis.
Learn more about skin cancer with our team at Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills
Our doctors at Dermatology Consultants of Short Hills can provide Short Hills, NJ area patients with a consultation appointment and skin cancer screening when they call the office at (973) 232-6245. Our facility is located in Suite 2H at 636 Morris Turnpike.
