Melanoma Awareness Month: How to Lower Your Risks

About 20% of Americans develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, but many don’t know how to protect themselves. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, the ideal time to talk about melanoma and how you can lower your risks.

At Plantation Dermatology in Plantation, FL, double board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs surgeon Dr. Steven Barilla provides expert, patient-focused care. From regular screenings to diagnosis and advanced treatments like Mohs surgery, we’re here to guide patients with compassion.

Lowering your risk factors all starts with good preventive care.

Understanding Melanoma and Risk Factors

Melanoma often develops due to intense or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. The sun is the main source, but tanning beds can cause skin cancer, too.

Knowing your risk factors helps you stay proactive. Key risk factors include:

• Fair Skin: You have lighter skin, hair, and eyes, or freckles easily.
• Sunburn History: You’ve experienced multiple sunburns, especially blistering ones.
• Family History: Immediate family members have had melanoma.
• Many Moles: Your skin has numerous moles, particularly large or irregular ones.
• UV Exposure: You regularly spend time outdoors without sun protection or use tanning beds frequently.

Easy Ways to Lower Your Melanoma Risk

Some of the ways you can help lower your melanoma risk include:

• Using Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and wear it daily, even when it’s overcast. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with at least SPF 30.
• Covering Up: Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses to avoid sun damage. These items work alongside sunscreen for maximum protection.
• Avoiding Peak Sun Hours: Limit outdoor activities between peak sun hours (generally 10 am-4 pm) when UV rays are strongest.
• Regular Skin Checks: Do a self-skin check once a month. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a head-to-toe skin exam. This includes the areas you might not think of at first: Your scalp, behind your ears, and the soles of your feet, for example.
• Annual Skin Exams: Annual comprehensive skin exams with Dr. Barilla work alongside other measures to give you maximum control over your melanoma risk.

Melanoma Help in Plantation, FL

Melanoma is treatable when caught early. Are you concerned about melanoma or recent skin changes? Call Plantation Dermatology today at 954-577-5161 in Plantation, FL, to schedule your appointment. Early action makes a difference!