How to protect yourself during Skin Cancer Awareness Month

CHESTERFIELD, Va. (WRIC) -- The month of May marks National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a critical time to focus on the most common form of cancer in the United States and, more importantly, how to prevent it.

According to Dr. Mark Russell, a dermatologist with UVA Health, the primary culprit behind skin cancer is ultraviolet (UV) radiation from either the sun or from tanning beds.

"So avoiding tanning beds and minimizing your risk in the sun are the most effective ways to reduce your chance of not only sunburn, but premature aging and then skin cancer later on," Dr. Russell said.

Dr. Russell emphasized the importance of sunscreen, but it has to be an SPF of at least 15 to be considered effective against skin cancer. He also advised choosing a sunscreen that will be used consistently.

"Meaning if you don't like the way it feels, you're less likely to use it. So applying it, you know, 15 minutes before you go into the sun and reapplying it every hour to two hours," Dr. Russell recommended.

Where sunscreen is applied is also a key factor in protection.

"Even the part in your hair, the top of your ears, the the top of your feet. If you're wearing sandals, all those can get sunburn," Dr. Russell cautioned, highlighting often-overlooked areas.

The American Cancer Society identifies basal cell carcinoma as the most common type of skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma -- recognizing potential warning signs is crucial for early detection.

"You want to look for spots that are changing in size, shape or color that don't heal or moles that have changed," Dr. Russell advised.

To stay proactive about skin health, Dr. Russell recommends regular self-exams and an annual visit to a dermatologist.

"Stay ahead of it and catch it early because the earlier you catch it, the better off, you will be in the long run, because the outcomes can be better due to a lot of effective treatments," he concluded.

UVA Health is holding a free cancer screening Saturday, May 3, from 8 a.m. to noon in the UVA Health Primary Care Center Dermatology Clinic.