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May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month: A Call to Action

As we enter May, it's essential to remember that this month is recognized as Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Tareen Dermatology is urging individuals and communities to take skin health seriously, emphasizing the importance of prevention and early detection.

According to statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Alarmingly, over two deaths occur every hour in the United States due to this disease. This makes it vital for everyone to be educated about skin cancer, its risks, and how to spot early signs.

Understanding Skin Cancer Types

Skin cancer primarily comes in three forms: melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

1. Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive type of skin cancer. While the exact cause remains unclear, it is significantly linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from sunlight or tanning beds.

2. Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This skin cancer variant is the second most prevalent and typically grows slowly. However, it has the potential to spread to nearby tissues, bones, and lymph nodes, complicating treatment.

3. Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
BCC is the most common type found on sun-exposed areas like the face, neck, and ears. While it often grows slowly and is less likely to spread than its counterparts, it still requires attention.

Detecting Skin Cancer: The ABCDEs

For effective detection, one can rely on the ABCDE method to identify suspicious moles:

• - A - Asymmetry: If one half of the mole does not match the other.
• - B - Border: Edges that are irregular, notched, or blurred.
• - C - Color: The mole consists of multiple colors.
• - D - Diameter: It is larger than a pencil eraser (approximately 6 mm).
• - E - Evolving: Any change in size, shape, or color over time.

Community Engagement

Throughout this month, Tareen Dermatology is committed to raising awareness and sharing valuable insights regarding skin cancer prevention and early detection. The facts are not just numbers; they represent lives. According to projections from the American Cancer Society, over 100,000 people in the U.S. could be diagnosed with melanoma this year. But, there's good news: survival rates have significantly improved with early detection, boasting a 99% five-year survival rate when melanoma is localized and caught early.

Skin cancer risks are heightened by various factors such as multiple sunburns, tanning bed use, weakened immune systems, or having a personal history of skin cancer. To mitigate these risks, adopting effective prevention strategies is critical:

• - Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• - Wear clothing that offers UV protection and sunglasses that block UV rays.
• - Avoid tanning beds and seek shade during peak sun hours.
• - Conduct regular skin checks to stay aware of potential changes.

Everyone's at Risk

Dr. Mohiba Tareen, a board-certified dermatologist and medical director at Tareen Dermatology, emphasizes the importance of early detection as a potentially lifesaving measure. "Everyone is at risk for melanoma and other skin cancers. The key is catching it early," she notes. She also highlights a significant issue: many with darker skin tones may experience delays in diagnosis as the signs can differ and sometimes get overlooked.

Dr. Tareen stresses that raising awareness across all communities is vital. While skin cancer can affect anyone, we must ensure that patients understand their risks regardless of skin type.

For those seeking more information, Dr. Tareen is available for interviews throughout Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Individuals are encouraged to visit Tareen Dermatology's website or follow their social media channels for tips, facts, and inspiring stories. To schedule an appointment, it is possible to reach their office directly.

About Tareen Dermatology

Tareen Dermatology stands out as a premier dermatological practice dedicated to comprehensive and patient-centered skin care solutions. With a robust team of 26 board-certified providers, they utilize the latest advancements in dermatological science to promote optimal skin health.

For more information, reach out via email or phone, or visit TareenDermatology.com for vital resources and appointment bookings.