Seeing as May is Skin Cancer Awareness month, I thought I should share a few facts about melanoma that you may not know.

Melanoma is:
THE MOST COMMON CANCER for adults ages 25-29
Does not discriminate based on skin tone
Can appear in areas that are not exposed to the sun
Is the DEADLIEST OF ALL TYPES OF SKIN CANCER… according to the American Academy of Dermatology melanoma kills one American every hour
Early detection is key… if found before spreading to the lymph nodes the 5 year survival rate is 98%

SO…
Get a yearly skin check by a board certified clinician.
Wear sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY! If the above facts are not enough to convince you, then consider this… in 2013 the Annals of Internal Medicine published a study that proved daily sunscreen use helps to prevent premature aging caused by sun exposure. In other words, daily use of sunscreen equals fewer wrinkles and age spots! Lather up!

-Stefani Heisler, PA-C