{"id":21994,"date":"2021-06-23T14:18:35","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T18:18:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/?p=21994"},"modified":"2025-01-15T13:47:03","modified_gmt":"2025-01-15T18:47:03","slug":"skin-cancer-prevention-how-to-reduce-risk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getmaple.ca\/blog\/skin-cancer-prevention-how-to-reduce-risk\/","title":{"rendered":"Skin cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk"},"content":{"rendered":"

Summer is here, and you\u2019re probably itching to spend hours outside. But before you spend long summer days outside soaking up the sun, it\u2019s important to remember those golden rays play a big part in causing the <\/span>most common form of cancer<\/span><\/a> \u2014<\/span> skin cancer. And skin cancer isn\u2019t just from exposure to the sun <\/span>\u2014 <\/span>it can appear in non-sun exposed areas of your body as well. Get ready to stock up on sunscreen and start taking a closer look at those moles and spots on your body with tips to stay on top of caring for your skin, and reducing your risk of skin cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Skin cancer causes and types<\/h3>\n

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells that most often develop on skin that has been exposed to the sun for long periods of time. While <\/span>90 percent of skin cancers<\/span><\/a> are caused by UV rays, other risk factors can include fair complexion, the amount of moles on your body, tanning bed use, and a family history of skin cancer. The three <\/span>most common types of skin cancer<\/span><\/a> are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.<\/span><\/p>\n

Basal cell carcinoma usually occurs in areas of your body that are exposed to the sun, and can appear as a white or waxy bump, a flat, flesh-coloured or brown scar-like lesion, or a bleeding or scabbing sore that heals, but ultimately returns.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Squamous cell carcinoma also occurs in areas of your body that are exposed to the sun, however, people with darker skin are more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma in areas that have no exposure to the sun. These can appear as firm, red nodules, and flat lesions with a crusted surface.<\/span><\/p>\n

Melanoma is the form of skin cancer you\u2019ve probably heard most about. Melanoma begins in the cells that control your skin\u2019s pigment. It can develop anywhere in your body <\/span>\u2014 <\/span>on normal skin, or in an existing mole that becomes cancerous. Melanoma can also occur in skin that hasn\u2019t been exposed to the sun. Signs of melanoma include a large, brown spot with darker speckles, painful, itchy or burning lesions, and a mole that changes in colour, size, or feel, that also bleeds. If you\u2019re one of the lucky ones with many moles on your body, it\u2019s important to get them checked routinely for any irregularities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Prevention and sun safety<\/h3>\n

There is a silver lining in all of this, and that is that <\/span>most skin cancers are preventable<\/span><\/a>. To help reduce your risk of getting skin cancer, these are some easy things you can do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n