Protect Your Fun in the Sun
According to the American Cancer Society, nearly 1,000 Nevadans will be diagnosed with melanoma of the skin this year. Amid rising rates of skin cancer and melanoma occurrences nationwide, awareness remains a powerful tool in mitigating the chance of a prospective skin-related diagnosis.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers is proud to offer free sunscreen to residents and visitors throughout Southern Nevada. We are committed to establishing sunscreen partnerships that aim to preserve the health and well-being of the Las Vegas community by using a proactive approach to preventing unnecessary skin conditions.
Comprehensive has established sunscreen partnerships with the following: Las Vegas Aviators, UNLV Rebel Football, Las Vegas Lights FC, Vegas Golden Knights, Henderson Silver Knights, Nevada Cancer Coalition, PENTA Building Group, City of Las Vegas, City of North Las Vegas, City of Henderson, Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada, The District at Green Valley Ranch, Tivoli Village, Friends of Red Rock Canyon, Downtown Container Park, Cowabunga Bay and the Cadence master-planned community. The practice also provides free sunscreen at many community wide events through a partnership with American Cancer Society and has partnered with Clark County Parks and Recreation to offer free sunscreen kiosks at more than 50 facilities including rec centers, senior centers, pools and camp sites.
Sun Safety Tips:
Below are a few tips to keep in mind when you are enjoying your day in the sun.
- Use sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher regularly.
- A sunburn is actually a burn. It can permanently damage your skin.
- Reflected sunlight can burn you, too. Apply sunscreen to areas hit by bouncing rays.
- Clouds don’t help. They won’t reduce UV rays.
- Ball caps don’t protect your ears, back of the neck, or side of the face.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your feet, lips, hands, and under straps.
Signs and Symptoms of Skin Cancer
Patients who notice any unusual skin changes should consult a physician. Those changes may include firm, pale or yellow scar-like areas, red patches that may be itchy or rough, raised growths or lumps or open sores that don’t heal. When you are examining yourself for abnormalities, just remember ABCDE:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half
- Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are ragged or notched
- Color: The color of the mole is not the same all over. There may be shades of tan, brown or black and sometimes patches of red, white or blue
- Diameter: The mole is wider that about ¼ inch
- Evolution: Change over time
To learn more about skin cancer, click here.