American Internet Tech donates to Melanoma Research Foundation (May 2021)
May Is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month
Skin cancer — including melanoma as well as basal and squamous cell carcinomas — is the most common of all cancer types. The rates of melanoma have been rising for the past few decades.
The number of cases of the more frequent skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, has been increasing for many years. According to one estimate, about 3.5 million cases of them are diagnosed annually (80% are basal cell).
Most of these three types of skin cancer are caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation primarily from the sun. However, only a little over half of American adults use sun-protection measures.
The good news is that if diagnosed and treated early, skin cancer can often be cured. But if the disease is allowed to progress, it can result in disfigurement and possibly death.
That is why we all need to follow the protection measures. Plan your outdoor activities before 10 am and after 4 pm. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher, and apply over all exposed skin about ten minutes before going out, and reapply every two hours, or sooner if swimming.
There is also clothing that now has UV protection in them, including bathing suits for kids. And be sure to wear a hat to protect the scalp and ears. Sun-exposed areas such as the nose and ears are very common spots where skin cancer can develop.
When outside, seek shade, cover up, wear a hat and sunglasses, and use sunscreen. Don’t fall victim to the ‘invisible killer’.
American Internet Tech supports the Melanoma Research Foundation and proceeds to a donation for the month of May. Even though many of us are separated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we can still unite against skin cancer and help save lives.
