American Internet Tech donates to American Cancer Society (May 2019)
With over 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Fortunately, skin cancer is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer. About 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. By raising awareness of the dangers of unprotected exposure and encouraging sun-safe habits, we can change behaviors and save lives.
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Skin Cancer is by far the most common type of cancer. If you know what to look for, you can spot warning signs of skin cancer early. Finding it early, when it’s small and has not spread, makes skin cancer much easier to treat.
Some doctors and other health care professionals include skin exams as part of routine health check-ups. Many doctors also recommend that you check your own skin about once a month. Look at your skin in a well-lit room in front of a full-length mirror. Use a hand-held mirror to look at areas that are hard to see.
Use the “ABCDE rule” to look for some of the common signs of melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer: A: Asymmetry, B: Border, C: Color, D: Diameter, E: Evolve. Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are more common than melanomas, but they are usually very treatable. They usually grow on areas that get the most sun, such as the face, head, and neck. But they can show up anywhere. Squamous cell carcinomas, or cancers, also tend to grow on areas that get sun, such as the face, ear, neck, lip, and hands. But they can also show up anywhere. Not all skin cancers look like these descriptions, though, so point out anything you’re concerned about to your doctor.
With the incidence of this disease reaching epidemic levels, Cancer Society needs our help. May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and the perfect time to get involved. American Internet Tech is always involved and proceeds to one more monthly donation to the American Cancer Society.
