UV Safety Awareness Month: Protect Your Skin and Know Your Treatment Options
July is UV Safety Awareness Month, a perfect time to remind ourselves about the importance of protecting our skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and staying vigilant about skin cancer prevention. At Premier Surgical Cleveland, our physicians, Dr. Eston Wenger, Dr. Jason Dunn, Dr. Joshua Worthington, and Dr. John Boxberger, are committed to helping you protect your skin, detect cancer early, and provide advanced surgical treatments if necessary.
Why UV Safety Matters
Exposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause of skin cancer, the most common form of cancer in the United States. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can damage your skin, increasing your risk for basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Practicing UV safety is key to prevention. Remember to:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily.
- Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses when outdoors.
- Avoid tanning beds altogether.
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
The Importance of Skin Cancer Screenings
Early detection saves lives. Skin cancer is often treatable when caught in its early stages. Regular self-exams and professional skin screenings can help identify suspicious moles or lesions before they progress.
Look for warning signs such as:
- Changes in size, shape, or color of moles
- New growths or sores that do not heal
- Spots that itch, bleed, or crust over
If you notice any of these changes, schedule an evaluation right away.
Surgical Treatments for Skin Cancer
If you are diagnosed with skin cancer, surgery is often the primary treatment option. At Premier Surgical Cleveland, our team offers a range of surgical techniques tailored to your unique needs, including:
Excision: The cancerous growth and a surrounding border of tissue are carefully removed.
Curettage and Electrodesiccation: For smaller lesions, the growth is scraped off, and the site is treated with an electric needle to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
Lymph Node Surgery: In cases where cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they may be removed for further testing or treatment.
Depending on the type and size of your skin cancer, stitches or skin grafts may be used to close the surgical site and promote healing.
We’re Here to Help
Your skin is your body’s largest organ—protect it and take action at the first sign of concern. Whether you need a professional skin evaluation or advanced surgical care, our experienced team is here for you.
Request an appointment online today or call our office at (423) 472-5423.