According to the AAD, the SPOTme skin cancer-screening program is one of the most successful association-led public health programs in U.S. history.
On Monday, Essentia Health's Dermatology providers host complimentary SPOTme skin cancer screenings 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Essentia Health's Center for Renewal, Duluth. People will have a 10-minute skin check appointment with one of the dermatology providers.
"If people are concerned about a spot on their skin, this is a convenient way for them to have it looked at," said Nurse Practitioner John Slettedahl. "They will then have the choice to arrange to have the spot further evaluated or treated where they choose to receive their regular medical care."
The AAD recommends everyone use sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (protects against UVA and UVB rays); sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher and is water resistant.
A sunscreen that offers those things helps to protect your skin from sunburn, early skin aging and skin cancer. However, sunscreen alone cannot fully protect you. In addition to wearing sunscreen, dermatologists recommend taking the following steps to protect your skin and find skin cancer early:
Seek shade when appropriate, remembering the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. if your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, when possible.
Use extra caution near water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don't seek the sun.
Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want to look tan, you may wish to use a self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, itching or bleeding on your skin, see a board-certified dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
"You don't have to live in a sun belt to develop skin cancer," Essentia Health Dermatologist Dr. Susan Ash said. "Many people in this area have fair Scandinavian skin with less natural pigment to avoid getting really bad sunburns. That's why it is so important that people understand that skin cancer is increasing and learn how to protect themselves."
Originally posted here:
Get checked for skin cancer - Superior Telegram
