The majority of skin cancers are caused by UV light, which penetrates your skin and changes your skin cells. UV rays, according to researchers, cause skin cancer in men and women who have a genetic predisposition to the disease.
There are certain risk factors that make you more likely to develop skin cancer. You may have an elevated risk if any of the following apply:
- Light skin color
- Red or blond hair
- Green or blue eyes
- Large number of moles
- Skin that burns easily or has freckles
- Family history of skin cancer
If you have a high risk for skin cancer, scheduling routine skin cancer screenings with a trained dermatologist should be part of your overall health care plan.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
The most effective way to prevent skin cancer is to follow a strict UV protection regimen. Wearing a high-quality sunscreen with a high SPF every day, not just when you plan to spend hours in the sun, is part of that.
You may not realize it, but you are constantly exposed to UV rays. You are exposed to the sun’s rays even when you are driving to work or sitting by an airplane window.
Book an appointment with Bellmore Dermatology today, online or by phone, for a complete skin mapping and skin cancer screening, as well as a discussion of how to best protect your skin from all types of skin cancer.