Melanoma Awareness Month Matters in the Country Too

Rural areas may face a higher risk of melanoma and other skin cancers due to occupational sun exposure, or even just an appreciation for the outdoors. While skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., it’s also one of the most preventable. Knowing the warning signs of melanoma and taking simple daily precautions can make all the difference.

Even on cloudy days, UV in sunlight can increase your risk. To best protect yourself, it's suggested to reduce exposure when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and to seek shade when your shadow appears shorter than yourself or whenever appropriate.

Protective clothing, including long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats with a cloth flap secured to cover the back of the neck and sunglasses, can also help reduce exposure. It’s recommended to use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher on any exposed skin and reapply every two hours and after any excessive sweating.

Water, snow and sand also reflect and intensify light, leading to a higher chance of sunburn.

It’s important to self-examine your skin areas as well as to be on the lookout for moles and marks. The ABCDE’s of Melanoma can help identify warning signs of skin cancer:

• A - asymmetry
• B - border
• C - color
• D - diameter
• E - evolving

Any new growths, changes in moles, non-healing sores, itching or bleeding should be noted with great care. Contact your dermatologist if you see any signs.

For more information about Melanoma Awareness and the #GetNaked campaign to spread information, visit melanoma.org/.

Visit the Melanoma Foundation website for further information on prevention and care.