Protecting Your Skin This Summer: EAAB Recommendations

This summer, Avon Lake’s Environmental Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB) wants to remind residents to take care of their skin while outdoors. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is the most common cancer. It accounts for nearly half of all cancers in the US. Each year more than 2 million cases of basal and squamous cell skin cancer are reported. Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, will account for more than 75,000 cases of skin cancer in 2012.

Most people don’t realize Melanoma is nearly always curable when identified in the earliest stages. Melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancers, but is more dangerous and leads to the most skin cancer deaths.

How do you know if a mole or growth is possibly cancerous? First, check with your doctor if you suspect a skin growth may be cancerous. The American Cancer Society recommends the ABC Rule as a guide:

• A is for Asymmetry: Half of a mole or birthmark does not match the other.
• B is for Border:  Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, blurred.
• C is for Color: Color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black.
• D is for Diameter: Spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about ¼ inch).

The best recommendations for lowering your skin cancer risk is to use sunscreen with a high SPF, reapplying after time in the water, limit sun exposure and wear proper clothing.

The EAAB has donated a gallon dispenser of sun screen SPF 30 to the Avon Lake Aquatic Center.  The sun screen is in the public area for use by visitors.

Sourced:  http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/SunandUVExposure/SkinCancerPreventionandEarlyDetection

The Environmental Affairs Advisory Board is under the jursidiction of the