Skin Cancer Prevention

Don’t become another cancer statistic. Skin cancer is easily preventable and if detected early, is highly treatable. The five-year survival rate for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is 99% if detected and treated before it spreads to the lymph nodes.

One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Rates of all skin cancers are increasing, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Our mission is to educate you, our valued patients, on minimizing risks and keeping your skin healthy.

Regardless of age, background and skin color, anyone can get skin cancer, but people with certain conditions are at greater risk:

• Blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence
• Skin burns or freckles easily
• Excessive sun exposure
• History of using tanning beds
• Having numerous, atypical, and/or large moles
• Personal or family history of skin cancer
• Suppressed immune system

The leading cause of skin cancer is excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Here are simple yet effective ways you can prevent skin cancer:

• Apply a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher daily, even on cloudy days. Visit Shop.PinnacleSkin.com to view sun protectants for every need.
• Apply one ounce (two tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 15-30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming and sweating.
• Practice sun safety: wear a wide-brimmed hat, (UVA/UVB) sunglasses and sun-protective clothing, and seek shade from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Avoid tanning and never use tanning beds, which cause skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.
• Perform monthly skin self-exams to check for new moles or areas that are changing, itching or bleeding. If you see something that concerns you, have it checked by your dermatology provider even if it’s not time for your annual skin exam.