What every Minnesotan needs to know about skin cancer and the damaging effects of the sun

We mentioned in our April Newsletter that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. While we have many products and services that treat skin that has already seen sun damage, we are also passionate about educating you about skin cancer prevention and ways to protect your skin before the damage occurs.The sun can give your skin a warm glow, but the new color you see IS a sign of skin damage. Trust us, we see the not-so-pretty effects of sun exposure every day! That’s why this blog is dedicated to what every Minnesotan needs to know about skin cancer and the damaging effects of the sun.

EVEN HERE WITH OUR NEVERENDING WINTERS?

With spring weather finally arriving, everyone is anxious to get outdoors to exercise, do yard work or play with the kids. Since we live in a colder climate, many Minnesotans don’t worry quite as much about sun protection. After all, they are cooped up inside and out of the rays of the sun for so many winter months and they need more vitamin D. While the sun is a great source of vitamin D, a recent study showed that people who use sunscreen still experience a spike in vitamin D levels after sitting in the sun so keep that in mind! Boost your levels with D-filled foods such as salmon, egg yolks, and mushrooms, too.

NO MORE EXCUSES! GET THAT ANNUAL SKIN CHECK DONE!

Melanoma Monday is May 5th

We know, life gets busy and there isn’t anything on your skin that is particularly concerning at the moment, so that dermatologist appointment can wait, right? Wrong. This really IS something you need to do. Tell your friends and family, too. Visit this page to find a clinic near you to visit. You’ll also find helpful tools and resources there. Skin checks are quick and easy and you’ll feel better knowing someone is keeping an eye on possible skin changes. You’ve heard it before – early detection is key! Below is an example of what a changing mole might look like. Suspicious moles are often ones that are not even in color. Other reasons to be suspicious are: asymmetry, uneven borders, changes like growth in size of mole or itchy/bleeding moles or a mole that just looks different than the rest of your moles.

SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT MELANOMA

On average, one American dies from melanoma every hour. In 2014, it is estimated that 9,710 deaths will be attributed to melanoma.
Melanoma is the most common cancer for young adults 25 to 29 years old and the second most common form of cancer for adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old.
When caught early, skin cancer – including melanoma – is highly treatable. The five-year survival rate for people whose melanoma is detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 98 percent.
Just shy of 77,000 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed last year across the nation.