How to Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer: 5 Smart Steps to Protect Your Skin
Mohs surgery is a highly specialized technique we use to remove skin cancer. It is especially effective for treating the most common skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and many early melanomas. By examining tissue in real time, Mohs surgery ensures complete tumor removal while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
During the procedure, our surgeon carefully removes tissue layer by layer, examining each sample under a microscope until no cancer cells remain. Because the surgeon also serves as the pathologist, results are immediate in our office, ensuring complete cancer removal and the lowest risk of recurrence.
Even if you’ve had skin damage in the past, protecting your skin now can significantly reduce your chances of skin cancer and the need for Mohs surgery later. Here are five smart, proactive steps to safeguard your skin health:
Commit to Daily Sun Protection: Sunscreen is your first line of defense against skin cancer. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days or when driving. Apply it generously to exposed skin, including often-missed areas like ears, lips, and the tops of your hands. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, swimming, or sweating. Remember sunscreen alone isn’t enough: add a wide-brimmed hat that covers your ears, and protective swimwear and clothing that will help protect your skin. Also, be mindful of reflective surfaces such as the pool, ocean, sand, or tennis courts that can intensify sun exposure.
Just Say “No” to Tanning Beds: There’s no “safe” tan from a tanning bed. People often think that getting a “base tan” will prevent burning throughout the summer months, but all sun exposure poses risk for the future. These devices emit concentrated UV radiation that accelerates skin damage and significantly raises your cancer risk. Even occasional use adds up over time. If you love the look of a tan, sunless tanning products are a much safer alternative.
Perform Monthly Skin Self-Checks: Get to know your skin. Each month, examine yourself in a well-lit room looking for changes in your skin. Watch for new spots, moles that change in size, shape, or color, or bites or other areas that will not heal. Use the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) to guide you. Detecting changes early allows for easier, less invasive treatments.
Schedule Annual Dermatology Exams: An annual screening can be lifesaving by catching cancers before they spread. Even if you don’t notice anything unusual, their trained eyes can catch subtle changes you may miss and look thoroughly at harder areas for you to check yourself. Depending on your personal or family history, your dermatologist may recommend more frequent visits.
Address Suspicious Spots Right Away: If something on your skin looks suspicious, don’t wait! Call your dermatologist immediately. Acting early often means simpler treatment and may prevent the need for complicated treatments or surgery altogether.
By practicing sun safety, avoiding tanning beds, monitoring your skin, and staying connected with your dermatologist, you can take control of your skin health. These proactive steps reduce your risk of skin cancer and the need for Mohs surgery while keeping your skin looking and feeling its best. Make skin protection part of your daily routine; it’s an investment in your long-term health!
If you need to schedule an annual skin exam or are concerned about changes to your skin, call our office at 401-415-8586 to schedule a visit.