Lakewood, NJ -- The Summer
months for many individuals means spending lots of extra
time outdoors. However, according to the Sun Safety
Alliance, one American dies every hour from skin cancer. With
more than one million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year,
skin cancer is more common than all other major types of
cancer combined.
Yet ironically it's probably the most preventable type of
cancer since the vast majority is simply due to overexposure
to the sun.
“Not only is it preventable, but skin cancer can also
be detected early,” said Julianne Kuflik, MD, a dermatologist
on staff at Kimball Medical Center. “Look for
any of the following and speak to your physician if any of
these symptoms appear: changes on the skin, especially in
the size or color of a mole or other darkly pigmented growth
or spot, or a new growth; scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or
change in the appearance of a bump or nodule; the spread
of pigmentation beyond its border such as dark coloring that
spreads past the edge of a mole or mark; or a change in sensation,
itchiness, tenderness, or pain,” she explains.
Dr. Kuflik suggests following these simple guidelines to
protect your skin from the strong rays of the summer sun:
- Try to avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when
the suns rays are at their strongest
- Stay in the shade, especially during the middle of the
day
- Cover your body with protective clothing to guard as
much skin as possible when you are out in the sun. Choose
comfortable clothes made of tightly woven fabrics that
you cannot see through when held up to a light.
- Use sunscreen and lip balm with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of 15 or higher. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen
and be sure to reapply after swimming, toweling dry, or
perspiring. Use sunscreen even on hazy or overcast
days.
- Cover your head with a wide-brimmed hat, shading your
face, ears, and neck. If you choose a baseball cap, remember
to protect your ears and neck with sunscreen.
- Wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide
optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
“Be sure to schedule a clinical exam or skin screening
at least once a year,” says Dr. Kuflik. “You
can take steps to prevent skin cancer, but you need to be
mindful of the changes happening to your skin and talk to
your doctor about them.”
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kuflik, please call
the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
Date: May 29, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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