May is skin cancer awareness month. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, being diagnosed more each year than all other cancers combined.
The majority of skin cancer is caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun, however tanning beds and some sun lamps have also been known to cause the disease. ACS community manager Kim Durst explains some basic prevention tips. “We’re going to be getting out there in the sunshine and we all want to get those tans but it is so important to be wearing that sunscreen. You know, 30 SPF plus. Wear those hats. Keep your skin covered. Sun burns, even a tan can be very damaging to your skin.”
Durst also encourages those who notice abnormal features on their skin to see a doctor and get tested early.