DHEC encouraging South Carolinians to take measures to prevent skin cancer
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– It’s the first day of Summer, and state health officials are urging South Carolinians to be mindful of their skin while spending time outdoors.
According to DHEC, skin cancer is the most common firm of cancer in the United States.
And in 2021, nearly 15 hundred South Carolinians were diagnosed with Melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, and 137 died from the disease.
To help prevent skin cancer, officials recommend wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, stay in the shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and wear light-weight long sleeved clothing when possible.
“Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and here in South Carolina, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting prevention for everyone,” said Sonya Younger, Director of DHEC’s Comprehensive Cancer Control Program.
Sun-safety steps to help prevent skin cancer:
- Put sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher on all exposed skin. Make sure it has not expired and reapply every two hours and after swimming.
- Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or when your shadow appears shorter than you.
- Wear protective clothing such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Use extra caution near water and sand because they reflect and intensify the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chances of sunburn.
Steps to follow every six months to detect new spots or growths and monitor changes in existing moles or discolorations:
- Bend your elbows and look carefully at forearms, back of upper underarms and palms.
- Look at the backs of your legs and feet, the spaces between your toes and on the soles of your feet.
- Examine the back of your neck and scalp with a hand mirror or have your partner examine those areas. Part your hair for a closer look.
- Check your backside with a hand mirror or ask your partner to check this area.
To learn more about skin cancer, including preventative measures and risk factors, visit scdhec.gov/skin–cancer.
