May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

(COLORADO SPRINGS) — May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and with Colorado boasting more than 300 days of sunshine a year, those who live, work and play here, need to be extra careful about protecting their skin.

Dr. Vinh Chung, a Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, with Vanguard Skin Specialists, said Coloradans are at a higher risk of getting skin cancer compared to those who live at lower elevations.

“By being one mile above sea level, we’re one mile closer to the sun so the UV that we get is actually that much more intense than if we were at sea level,” said Chung. “And we love being outside, that’s why we live in Colorado.”

He said Coloradans are exposed to more UV than the average American and those who work in certain occupations have an even greater risk of skin cancer.

“We take care of a lot of farmers, ranchers, construction workers, because they’re outside all the time,” said Chung. “We also see a lot of truck drivers and pilots because the UV can go right through the glass.”

Chung said anytime you’re outside for a prolonged period of time you’re at an increased risk of skin cancer. To protect yourself he suggests wearing a hat, long-sleeves and sunscreen of SPF 30 or more and reapply every few hours.

“Find a sunscreen that feels good on your skin, because if it doesn’t feel good you’re just not going to use it, so it’s more important to use it than to pick a specific brand,” said Chung.

Skin cancer can be life-threatening but Chung said it is treatable.

“The most important thing I want everyone to know is that skin cancer is curable if it’s caught early.”

Chung said look for spots on your skin that are not healing, or moles that look different or unusual or that change in size or shape. Total body skin checks are recommended at least once a year but those with a history of skin cancer or a family history of skin cancer may want to be screened more often.

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