The Facts: Important things our dermatologists want you to know about skin cancer.

The Facts: Important things our dermatologists want you to know about skin cancer.

With the summer months behind us and winter right around the corner, it’s easy to forget that the risks of skin cancer are still prevalent regardless of the season. Here are a few facts you may not know about the risks of skin cancer.

1. More skin cancer occurs on the left side of the face. This is likely an example of how routine daily sun exposure, such as from the driver side window while driving a car, can add up. Our team of board certified dermatologists suggests everyone used a daily moisturizer with sunscreen every morning year round.

2. Sun protection is also needed in the winter months. The snow reflects UV rays which can amplify exposure. If you are going out in the snow even on chilly grey winter days, remember to apply and reapply sunscreen at least SPF 30 every 2-4 hours.

3. Skin cancer has no skin preference. Skin cancer can occur no matter your skin tone or color. It can be more common in people with fair complexations. But excessive sun exposure is always the deciding factor.

4. Skin cancer treatments are relatively straight-forward. Chemotherapy and radiation are rarely needed to treat skin cancer. Most of them are cured by simple excision, Mohs surgery or destruction with other methods. The FDA has even approved a cream to treat some forms.

5. Although most treatments are successful and less invasive, skin cancer should be taken seriously. According to the American Cancer Society, one person dies of melanoma every hour. Sun protection and regular checkups are the best way to avoid becoming a statistic.