Long summer days are one of the best parts of life on the East End. Whether you're spending time at the beach, in or on the water, in the garden, or at a local festival, protecting your skin should be part of every outdoor routine.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, but it is also one of the most preventable. Limiting ultraviolet (UV) exposure, wearing sunscreen, and recognizing changes in your skin can greatly reduce your risk. Just as important is having your skin examined by a healthcare provider each year, since early detection can lead to simpler treatment and better outcomes.
"Many skin cancers can be successfully treated when they are found early," said Dr. Lawrence R. Schiff, Vice Service Chief of Emergency Medicine at Stony Brook Eastern Long Island Hospital (SBELIH). "That's why we encourage people to become familiar with their skin and seek medical evaluation if they notice a new or any change in a mole or lesion."
At SBELIH, skin cancer awareness is part of everyday patient care. During Emergency Department visits, nurses routinely ask patients about their history of skin cancer and observe for suspicious skin lesions. If something concerning is identified, patients are encouraged to follow up with their primary care physician or a dermatologist for additional evaluation.
Protecting your skin doesn't mean staying indoors all summer. A few simple precautions can make a big difference:
- Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even when it's cloudy. Reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating.
- Cover exposed skin with lightweight clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Seek shade whenever possible, especially between 10 am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest.
- Avoid tanning beds, which increase the risk of melanoma and other forms of skin cancer.
- Perform regular self-checks and pay attention to any new or changing moles, freckles, or spots.
If you develop a sunburn, cool the affected skin with a cool shower or cool compress, stay well hydrated, and use aloe vera or a fragrance-free moisturizer to relieve discomfort. Severe blistering, fever, or dehydration should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
This summer, make skin health part of your annual wellness routine. Schedule a skin screening with your primary care physician or dermatologist, even if you don't have any symptoms. A yearly exam can help identify skin cancer in its earliest stages, when treatment is often the most effective. Combined with smart sun habits, it's one of the simplest steps you can take to protect your health for years to come.