GREENSBORO, N.C. — With summer just around the corner, be sure to grab the sunscreen!
May 1 is known as Melanoma Monday, a day to raise awareness about skin cancer, the most common form of cancer is the U.S.
A big part of preventing skin cancer is taking steps to keep your skin safe and knowing the signs.
Christine Brannock, Oncology Outreach Manager with Cone Health Cancer Center, broke down what to watch for on your skin and how to protect yourself while outside.
SUNSCREEN
- Look for a sunscreen with a 30 SPF or higher for the most protection against the sun
- If you have sunscreen from last summer, you can still use it. Sunscreen is good for about 3 years. Write the date on it when you buy it so you can track when it needs to be thrown out
- Be sure to rub in your sunscreen all the way even if you use a spray
- Apply your sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside
HATS
- Look for a wide-brimmed hat that will cover your whole head, neck and ears. A baseball hat will keep your ears exposed
- Put sunscreen on even if you are wearing a hat
- Pick a woven hat you can't see through so you know the sun rays are not getting through
SIGNS OF SKIN CANCER
Watch for changes in the size or shape of a mole
A mole should be a perfect circle, if it's an unusual shape, go see a doctor
Other warning signs include the color, jagged border and the diameter, bigger than the size of a pencil eraser or ones that bleed, go see a doctor