Get the Facts about Skin Cancer

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and at Goldsmith Podiatry, we want to be sure our Manhattan patients understand the seriousness of this condition and how to prevent it on their feet and the rest of their bodies. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, in the past decade the number of new invasive melanoma cases diagnosed annually increased by 31%. Below are some other facts about skin cancer you should know to protect yourself and your family.

Factors That Increase Risk of Skin Cancer

Researchers know quite a bit about skin cancer and what increases your chances of developing it. Some risk factors include:

• Family history of melanomas or other types of skin cancer

• Having fair or pale skin and red hair

• History of 5 or more bad sunburns

• Being the recipient of an organ transplant

Protection and Prevention

While some risk factors may be beyond your control, there are many steps you can take to prevent skin cancer. Start with sunscreen. Regular daily use of a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher has been shown to reduce the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40%, and melanoma by 50%. This goes for your feet too. You may not think about sun and your skin if you’re not spending the day at the beach or by the pool but just ordinary going to and from work, shopping, running errands etc. means all exposed skin is subject to the harmful effects of UV and UVB rays. If you are out all day, remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming. Other ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer include seeking shade during the hottest times of the day and avoiding indoor tanning beds.

One of the most important ways you can protect yourself is to check your skin regularly. This is especially important for your feet. Most people don’t expect skin cancer on their feet, so often by the time it’s detected, it’s reached an advanced stage. Check the tops and bottoms of feet and between your toes. Toenails with black spots under them should also be evaluated. If you notice anything unusual about the skin on your feet or see changes to moles or freckles, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 so that one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia or Dr. Kristina Ruff can examine your feet and take the appropriate action.