• By Jeffrey Griffin
• Posted Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Skin Cancer

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the rate of new melanoma diagnosises in North Carolina has increased. In North Carolina, melanoma is only behind thyroid cancer in new diagnosises, with an increase of 5% percent per year from 2005-2009. Steps to prevent skin cancer include:

• Do not burn- overexposure to the sun is the most preventable risk factor
• Cover Up- wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats and sunglasses with UV protection
• Seek shade between 10a.m. and 4p.m. when the sun's rays are the most intense
• Use Sunscreen. The recommendation is the generous use of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), with reapplication every two hours or after swimming or sweating.

For additional steps to prevent skin cancer please visit the Environmental Protection Agency's website at: http://www2.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-01/documents/sunsafety_fs_northcarolina_v8_release_508.pdf,