Spotting Skin Cancer

Our Physician's Assistants, Laura and Amanda, volunteered their Friday to spend the day performing free skin cancer screenings on thousands of excited Atlanta Falcon's fans. The Atlanta Falcons partnered with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) for the SPOT me™ campaign in an effort to raise awareness of skin cancer by hosting screenings at Falcons' training camp on July 25-28.

Laura and Amanda at the SPOT me™ event

It is estimated that 1 in 5 Americans develop skin cancer over the course of their lifetime and men over 50 are at greater risk of developing the disease than the rest of the population. The AAD launched SPOT me™ "to educate the public, particularly men, about the dangers and risks of skin cancer, and encourage people to get screened regularly by a board-certified dermatologist". It is important to detect skin cancer early and visit a dermatologist if you notice any changes on your skin. 

Keep reading for Amanda and Laura's tips for preventing and spotting skin cancer. 

- Wear a lightweight moisturizer or foundation containing SPF everyday... even if your day doesn't call for outdoor activities. 

- When outdoors, protect yourself from the sun. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and reapply throughout the day. 

- Make a fashion statement by sporting a wide-brimmed or floppy hat in the sun. We carry plenty of stylish options for every occasion!

- If you haven't kicked the habit by now, it's time to trade in the tanning bed for sunless tanning. We recommend RAW Bronzing Studio. 

- Always check with your physician before starting new medication. Some prescriptions do not mix well with sunlight! 

- Perform monthly self-exams to detect any changes in your skin's appearance. If you notice anything changing, growing or bleeding, make an appointment with your dermatologist. 

- Just like an annual physical, your skin needs to be seen by a board-certified dermatologist at least once a year. 

By following these tips, we hope you can protect your skin from the lifelong damage of sun exposure and reduce your risk of skin cancer. Our providers are currently accepting new patients and are available to see you for your annual skin exam. For more information on Atlanta Dermatology and Laser Surgery, please visit our website or call (404) 296-8000.