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Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

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It feels great to be out in the sun. Unfortunately, while you are enjoying yourself, the sun is damaging your skin. Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. There are steps you can take to prevent skin cancer, and your dermatologist can help.

What You Need to Know about Skin Cancer

You are at greater risk of skin cancer if you:

  • Have fair skin
  • Burn easily
  • Have a family history of skin cancer
  • Spend long periods of time out in the sun

Did you know the effects of sun exposure are cumulative? That means all the sun exposure you experienced growing up is building up on your skin, causing skin damage, and in some cases, skin cancer. That’s why the prevention of skin cancer can never start too early. You need to:

  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day
  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher if you plan to be outside for long periods of time
  • Wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 50 if you are fair-skinned, burn easily, or have a high risk of skin cancer
  • Avoid using tanning booths
  • Stay out of the sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are the most harmful
  • Wear sun-blocking clothing, including hats and sunglasses

It’s also important to examine your skin regularly, at least once each week. You need to look for:

  • Dry, scaly, itchy, or red patches of skin that don’t go away
  • Large moles that are 6 millimeters in diameter or greater
  • Asymmetrically shaped moles with ragged, uneven borders
  • Changes in the size, shape, or color of your moles
  • Recurring moles that have grown back after the previous removal

Visiting your dermatologist at least once each year for a skin check is another great way to help prevent skin cancer. Your dermatologist knows what to look for and can detect early signs of skin cancer when it is easily treatable.

Want to Learn More?

To learn more about skin cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, call your dermatologist today.

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I went for a facial with Reganne, and it was wonderful! She was the right balance of chatty and quiet so that I felt personally welcomed but also able to relax and soak in all the luxurious treatment. She also was so kind and considerate, being very careful which products she used because she knew I am sensitive to some fragrances. I scheduled my appointment for the end of my regular work week, and now, this evening I’m feeling fabulous!

RJ and MJ Olson

We both chose the practice for our dermatology well checks and any issues that may be discovered during those visits. Most of the practitioners have been great. I also enjoy the facial services they offer at the practice. Both estheticians I have seen there have been wonderful! They have both been very accommodating given multiple allergies that can make my skin reactive. I look forward to my time with the esthetician.

Cathy Robinson

The entire staff is courteous and very helpful. They were right on time. They work together well. They are accepting of questions and are willing to answer the questions. They offer reminders for follow up appointments. I am very pleased to be a patient of this office.

Susan Zeller

As a new patient I greatly appreciated getting an appointment with a few days of submitting my application form instead of a long wait. The staff at the front desk were very pleasant, efficient and helpful in making this happen. The service I received from my doctor was good.

Tom

David M was great in all key areas that were important to me. Skill, bedside manner, updates during the surgery and his summary after the procedure. His nurse was also first rate. Thank you both for all that you did for me. NP Donna has treated me previously at this practice and I echo my comments here for her and the nurses, reception and scheduling employees. Thank you all for a great experience

Jennifer Gemmell

This was the most pleasant doctors appointment I’ve ever experienced. The wait wasn’t too long and there were so many beautiful and interesting things to look at while I was there: beautiful art well presented with identification and background details, fascinating terrariums and other plants, and even an Asian meditation garden. Dr. Macallister was very personable, professional and thorough. I was quite happy with her care. The staff too, were professional and pleasant.

Reece W

Saw Donna and Megan, had a concerning spot on my face. I needed an injection and they put me eat ease and really helped me to feel comfortable and relaxed. Even though the needle stung a little bit I was completely distracted with easy conversation to keep my mind off of what was going on. They were incredibly reassuring and informative and I love going to see them! Thank you Donna and Megan for a quick and easy visit! :)

Don Wood

Great experience from the time I arrived for the appointment til I was finished. Donna Brigham is the most professional specailist I've seen in quite some time. She is very good at explaining everything in layman's terms. Her bedside manner puts you at ease and makes you very comfortable with the procedures she is doing.

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