Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

Ultraviolet Light

Skin cancer prevention is a vital part of protecting your health each day. This dangerous condition takes many years to develop requiring individuals to take precautions now to avoid complications later. Cancerous cells on the surface of skin tissue or underlying layers occur several years after extensive ultraviolet sunlight exposure. In the past, this type of cancer was a result of exposure to natural sunlight each day. Today, there is a new risk of developing skin cancer from using tanning beds located in private residences or businesses. The Atlanta geographic area receives a lot of intense sunlight year-round increasing the likelihood of having skin cell changes.

Skin Cancer Prevention Requires Use of Sunscreen

There are several types of skin cancer treated by Dr. Alexander S. Gross at the Georgia Dermatology Center. He has 25 years of experience diagnosing cancerous conditions while offering skin cancer prevention tips to patients. One of the best ways to prevent skin cancer is by using sunscreen products each day that contain ingredients that block dangerous ultraviolet light. A sunscreen lotion, spray or cream reduces the chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma on skin tissue. Application of sunscreens should begin in infancy and continue through adulthood. At the same time, individuals living in Atlanta should avoid direct sunlight as much as possible, wear protective clothing and avoid sunbathing.

Skin Cancer Prevention Means NO Indoor Tanning

Tanning outside or indoors can have dangerous consequences. While often associated with good health, the “glow” of a tan is the very opposite of healthy; it’s evidence of DNA injury to your skin. Tanning damages your skin cells and speeds up visible signs of aging. Worst of all, tanning can lead to skin cancer.

Routine Examinations

Dr. Gross provides examinations at the Georgia Dermatology Center for several types of cancer including malignant melanoma that appears on the skin as dark spots with an asymmetrical border. In its earliest stages, this type of lesion is treatable, and has a high survival rate. Squamous cell carcinoma is a tumor that grows rapidly on skin tissue requiring immediate treatment to prevent spread of the disease to vital organs. The third type of cancer is basal cell that originates in the underlying tissue before spreading to the surface where it appears as a translucent growth on the neck or head.

Expert Treatment

Expert treatment helps to cure many forms of skin cancer allowing individuals to live a normal lifespan. Having a thorough evaluation by a specialist on a routine basis means finding ways to remove cancerous cells before the disease spreads to the bloodstream and internal organs. Anyone living in the Atlanta area can visit a professional dermatologist for an evaluation and treatment for lesions or discolorations on the skin at the Georgia Dermatology Center. If you notices changes on the skin such as spots, roughness or growths, then call the center’s staff today to make an appointment with Dr. Gross.

For more on Skin Cancer Prevention visit the Skin Cancer Foundation website+