As the summer months are fast approaching, millions of Americans will be heading to the beach or simply basking in the sun in their backyards. The American Academy of Dermatology is hoping they all have their sunscreen with them every time they do.
As a matter of fact, they have 3.5 million reasons why, as that's how many cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed this year.
While May has been Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month, the fact it's drawing to a close doesn't mean it's time to stop thinking about this deadly form of cancer.
Remember to follow a few simple rules when it comes to buying and applying sunscreen this summer:
• As a general rule, SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97 percent and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. Doctors now typically recommend at least SPF 30 -- at least being the key words.
• When applying, use a shot glass-size dose, and all our experts recommend applying two coats. Squeeze a line of lotion down your arms and legs and rub in, then do it again. Ditto for spray formulas: hold the nozzle close to your skin and spray, moving slowly up and down until you see a sheen, then go back over the area.
• For your face, apply a pea-size drop to each cheek, your forehead and your chin, then smear in. Don't forget your nose, as many people often do. Repeat!
Even if you follow these instructions religiously, it is never a bad idea to regularly check yourself for signs of skin cancer, as early detection is such a key to fighting the disease. The AAD has started the how to SPOT Skin Cancer campaign as well to educate the public on this topic. The campaign aims to save lives by emphasizing the importance of early detection.
The AAD has developed an easy five-step rule dubbed the ABCDE rule, which briefly outlines what to look for as early warning signs of skin cancer:
A - is for asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
B - is for border irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched or blurred.
C - is for color that varies from one area to another.
D - is for diameter: While melanomas are usually greater than 6 mm (the size of a pencil eraser) when diagnosed, they can be smaller.
E - is for evolving: A mole or skin lesion that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape or color.
