'Skin Deep Defense: Preventing Skin Cancer' | Harper Health's Guide

Introduction

Attention all! Do you know that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States? Yes, you read it right. But the good news is, skin cancer is highly preventable and curable when detected early. At Harper Health, we’re committed to providing an array of preventive and comprehensive medical care, and skin cancer screening is one of our specialties.

Skin Cancer: An Overview

When abnormal growth of the skin cells occurs, it leads to skin cancer. This form of cancer mainly develops on the areas of skin exposed to the sun, but it's not restricted to them; it can also occur on areas not ordinarily exposed to sunlight. Skin cancer affects people of all skin tones and races, including those with darker complexions.

Importance of Skin Cancer Screening

Early detection of skin cancer vastly improves the effectiveness of treatment. This is where regular skin cancer screening comes into play. Skin cancer screenings at Harper Health in Chicago, IL, offer a thorough examination of your skin by our experienced family medicine specialist, Dr. Harper. Besides offering peace of mind, these screening tests lead to early identification and effective treatment.

How You Can Protect Yourself

While getting regular screenings for skin cancer is crucial, there are other ways you can help yourself. These include limiting your exposure to the sun, especially from 10 AM to 4 PM, wearing sun-protective clothing, and using broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30. Remember to apply it generously and reapply after two hours, or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. You should also steer clear of tanning beds because ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can lead to skin cancer. Lastly, check your skin regularly for changes. If you notice any, schedule an appointment with Dr. Harper right away.

Embrace a Healthy Skin Lifestyle With Harper Health

At Harper Health, Dr. Harper uses a personal, integrative approach, combining traditional family medicine and nutritional health to treat you, the whole person. Schedule your skin cancer screening appointment today and embrace a healthy lifestyle under our expert care. Remember to wear your skin protection every day of the year, as skin cancer doesn't discriminate against seasons. Let's stay skin-healthy!