One out of 5 people in the U.S. will develop a form of skin cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association. For people with darker skin tones, incidence of late-stage skin cancer is rising.
Dr. Naiara Sbroggio Barbosa (Nie-e-ARE-ah Bar-BOH-sah), a Mayo Clinic dermatologist, explains how people with darker skin tones can protect themselves from skin cancer.
Skin cancer can be disfiguring or even deadly, which is why early detection and treatment is so important.
“Darker skin individuals have a much lower chance of skin cancers,” says Dr. Sbroggio Barbosa. “However, they have more complications from those cancers because often they are not diagnosed promptly.”
With increased sun exposure comes a greater risk of skin cancer. Dr. Sbroggio Barbosa says there are simple things you can do to protect your skin.
“Using sunscreen, we usually recommend SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher, making sure to reapply the sunscreen, especially if you’re going to be outside every two or three hours,” she says.
It is also important to cover your skin with clothing, a hat or seeking shade during hours of peak sun. Dr. Sbroggio Barbosa says skin cancer can present differently in different people, such as melanoma under a fingernail or toenail, which is why she stresses regular skin checks.
“Once a month or every other month, you should try to look at your whole skin and see if there’s anything that looks unusual or that might be changing,” says Dr. Sbroggio Barbosa.
“Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network.”
Republished with permission[/vc_message]
Disclaimer
The information contained in South Florida Reporter is for general information purposes only.
The South Florida Reporter assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions in the contents of the Service.
In no event shall the South Florida Reporter be liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damages or any damages whatsoever, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tort, arising out of or in connection with the use of the Service or the contents of the Service. The Company reserves the right to make additions, deletions, or modifications to the contents of the Service at any time without prior notice.
The Company does not warrant that the Service is free of viruses or other harmful components
