May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The American Academy of Dermatology is spreading awareness about skin cancer and encouraging you to be safe when you go outdoors.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can affect people of all races, although people with light skin who sunburn easily are the highest risk. Skin cancer is an abnormal growth of skin cells that often develops on areas if the skin exposed to the sun. There are different types of skin cancer including Actinic Keratoses, Basal cell carcinoma, Squamous cell carcinoma, and Melanoma. The deadliest form of skin cancer is melanoma and it frequently develops in a mole.
Know the ABCDE warning signs for melanoma:
A – Asymmetry: one half of the mole is unlike the other half
B – Border: The mole has an irregular, scalloped or poorly defined border
C – Color: The mole color varies from one area to another
D – Diameter: Melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm in size
E – Evolving: If the mole looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color
Protecting Your Skin from the Sun
The most preventable risk factor for skin cancer is UV exposure. You can protect your skin from the sun’s UV rays to reduce your risk of skin cancer. Some ways to protect yourself include:
- Seeking shade: Especially if you are outside during the peak sun hours, you should look for a shaded area when you are outdoors.
- Wearing Protective Clothing: Whenever you are going outside, you should cover up your skin as much as possible by wearing a long-sleeved shirt, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Applying Sunscreen: Every 2 hours when you are outside you should apply broad-spectrum, water resistant, SPF 30+ sunscreen.
Protective Clothing for South Florida Construction Sites
Warmer weather is on its way, and in Florida the weather can get pretty hot. TSC Southeast wants to remind you of the importance of protecting your skin when working outside during the hot summer months. It may be tempting to wear shorter sleeved shirts when it gets hot out but that exposes more skin to the sun. To cover up and stay cool, try wearing moisture wicking, breathable clothing.
Working in the heat with the right clothing and skin care products will prevent skin cancer.TSC Southeast has partnered with Safety Supplies Unlimited to bring supplies and work apparel to South Florida jobsites. SSU has great moisture wicking apparel to keep you cool and protected from the sun. Check out this work shirt from SSU!
