Don't forget sunscreen when enjoying the season's beautiful weather

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, a time to celebrate sun safety and skin health. 

As the weather gets warmer and the sun shines brighter, it's tempting to spend more time outdoors soaking up the sun's rays. This month serves as a timely reminder to protect our skin from harmful UV rays by wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and wearing protective clothing.

By being mindful of sun safety practices, we can enjoy the beautiful weather and reduce our risk of developing skin cancer while we're enjoying the outdoors or simply going about our daily routines. 

Self-skin exams are a valuable tool in the early detection of skin cancer, allowing individuals to monitor their skin for any changes or abnormalities. Research indicates that self-exams can lead to earlier detection of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, which can significantly improve outcomes. A study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that patients who performed regular self-exams were more likely to detect melanoma at an earlier, more treatable stage. 

Additionally, self-exams can help individuals become familiar with their skin and recognize new or changing moles, prompting them to seek medical attention promptly. This proactive approach to skin health empowers individuals to take control of their health and play an active role in skin cancer prevention. A useful guide can be found on the Skin Cancer Foundation website at https://www.skincancer.org/early-detection/self-exams/ 

Skin cancer screenings by board-certified dermatologists are crucial due to their specialized training and expertise in dermatology. Board-certified dermatologists complete extensive education and training specific to skin health, including the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. This specialized training allows dermatologists to accurately identify suspicious lesions or moles that may be indicative of skin cancer.

Studies have shown that screenings by dermatologists result in earlier detection of skin cancer and improved outcomes for patients. Research indicates that board-certified dermatologists tend to perform fewer unnecessary biopsies compared to non-dermatologists when evaluating suspicious skin lesions.

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that dermatologists performed fewer biopsies per skin cancer detected compared to non-dermatologists. Specifically, dermatologists performed 0.9 biopsies per skin cancer detected, while non-dermatologists performed 1.6 biopsies per skin cancer detected. This suggests that dermatologists are more efficient in their biopsy practices, leading to fewer unnecessary procedures.

Another study published in JAMA Dermatology examined the biopsy rates of dermatologists and non-dermatologists for suspicious skin lesions. The study found that dermatologists had a lower biopsy rate of 34.7% compared to 52.2% for non-dermatologists. This indicates that dermatologists are more selective in their decision to perform biopsies, potentially reducing the number of unnecessary procedures and associated costs for patients.

These findings highlight the importance of seeking care from board-certified dermatologists for skin cancer screenings and evaluations of suspicious skin lesions. Dermatologists' expertise in accurately diagnosing skin cancer and their tendency to perform fewer unnecessary biopsies can lead to more efficient and cost-effective care for patients.

By raising awareness about the importance of sun protection, early detection, and regular skin checks, we can all take proactive steps to prevent skin cancer and ensure our skin stays healthy and vibrant. So let's embrace the sunshine safely with hats and sun-protective clothes, lather on the sunscreen, and spread the word about skin cancer prevention and awareness this May.

Kim Edhegard, MD, and Anna Edhegard, MD, are board-certified dermatologists. Their practice, Foothills Family Dermatology, is in Morganton.