Senior Spotlight: Skin Cancer Awareness
Less than half of your sun exposure occurs by age 40.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and as the most common skin cancer in the United States, we can honestly tell you it has greatly impacted our household. Sun safety isn’t just personal, it affects every single one of us and NOT just at a young age. More than 2 people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour; 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.
If you are an older adult, you may be thinking that what you do now doesn’t matter – that it’s probably too late anyway. But the truth is that your choices now may be able to prevent further risk or catch skin cancer when it is early & treatable. Here are 3 things you can do to stay sun safe today and every day.
#1: Consider that sun damage is cumulative. Only about 23% of your lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 18. Within a 78-year age span, only 47% of sun damage occurs by age 40, and a cumulative 74% between ages 41-59. Thus, the last 26% of sun damage occurs in the final 18 years of your life. If you start taking protective steps today – it really does count!
#2: Layer those levels of protection. A good sunscreen is a great idea (and a must!) – but it is not everything. Also consider staying in the shade as much as possible between the peak hours of 10am and 4pm, wear UV-blocking sunglasses, look into high-tech, UPF fabrics, and remember that sun causes skin damage through car and home windows too. Get more prevention practices here.
#3: Stopping skin cancer is possible IF you stop it in time. Skin cancer is almost always visible – so monthly self-exams are vital, as well as annual dermatological visits. Skin cancers vary greatly in their type of appearance and texture; see the most common types here. Be sure to check with your doctor if you find anything suspicious at any time.
As we get ready for a sunny season ahead, we hope that you do everything you can to stay sun safe! Every preventative measure adds up to more protection, more detection and more sunny days ahead. You got this!
All data courtesy of SkinCancer.org
Warm regards,
Bobbi
Bobbi Decker
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Broker Associate
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www.bobbidecker.com
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