The sun. We love and it, and sometimes we loathe it. The summer sun can be a welcome sight after months of being stuck in doors. And while it’s an important source of life, the sun can have effects on our health that remind us we must enjoy it in moderation, especially as we age.

With 3.5 million skin cancers diagnosed in the U.S. annually, the risk of melanoma is on the minds of many caregivers and seniors. According to an article titled, “Skin Cancer: Don’t Ignore the Signs” by Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D., for AARP The Magazine and chief medical editor for NBC News, malignant melanoma is the deadliest form, killing nearly 10,000 people in 2014.

“The next deadliest, squamous cell, has increased 200 percent in the past 30 years,” the article reports. “Fortunately, we’ve made tremendous strides in diagnosis and treatment.”

Caregivers can have a good eye for watching out for skin cancer cues, which are key to early diagnosis and successful treatment. The AARP provides these ABC warning signs of skin cancer indicators:

• Asymmetry: Half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
• Border irregularity: The border is blurred or ragged.
• Color: The mole has a variety of colors, often shades of brown, tan or black, with patches of pink, red, white or blue.
• Diameter: Lesion is new or at least 1/4 inch in diameter.
• Evolving: Mole is changing in size, shape or color.

“Since caregivers are spending a majority of time in the home helping with health-related matters, they can play an important role in safeguarding seniors against the effects of the sun,” says Great Care Founder and CEO Julie Sullivan. “Double-checking moles, brown spots and growths on the skin, which are usually harmless, can make a difference in summer skin care.”

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, anyone who has more than 100 moles is at greater risk for melanoma.

“The first signs can appear in one or more atypical moles. That’s why it’s so important to get to know your skin very well and to recognize any changes in the moles on your body. Look for the ABCDE signs of melanoma, and if you see one or more, make an appointment with a physician immediately,” says the foundation on its website at www.skincancer.org.

For proper melanoma prevention, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher as one important part of a complete sun protection regimen. Since sunscreen alone is not enough, this list of the Skin Cancer Foundation’s prevention tips are key to helping caregivers, seniors, and their families enjoy a safe summer:

• Seek the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Do not burn.
• Avoid tanning and never use UV tanning beds.
• Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
• Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
• Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating.
• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
• Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.

Happy summer!
The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs. Great Care is a non medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (317) 595-9933 for more information.