Page 34 - May 2023 Issue.indd

Tips, Classes and
H ealth C orner Programs to help

you live healthier!

shores of The Chesapeake Bay C: Color. Different colors appear in the

and Central Maryland counties. same mole.
When diagnosed early, melanoma can D: Diameter. The mole is larger then

be cured! It is also the most preventable the end of a pencil eraser.
May is Melanoma Awareness
type of cancer.
Month E: Elevated or Enlarged. Other
Everyone has some risk for developing warning signs may be a sore that
Submitted by Leigh Marquess, RN, skin cancer, some more than others. doesn’t heal, a spread of color from the
Director for Wellness Promotions at the border into neighboring skin, a change
Th ese include:
Caroline County Health Department. in sensation in a mole such as itchiness,
• Light skin that burns or freckles tenderness or pain, oozing or bleeding
May brings outdoor living! Gardens and easily from a mole, and a brown or black spot
farmland are being planted, boats are underneath a nail.
• Naturally light hair, blonde, red
being readied for summer crabbing and
or light brown
fishing, outside projects are underway, How to protect your skin from the

kids are playing outside and riding • Light colored eyes, blue, green sun:
bikes until the sun goes down. Now, or grey • Avoid direct sun when it is
and truly all year round, is the time to • Family history of skin cancer strongest, 10 am - 4 pm.
build safe sun habits into your family’s
• A history of sunburns as a child. • Encourage your children to play
daily routine to prevent sun damage
One or two blistering sunburns in the shade.
and potential skin cancer.
as a child doubles a person’s • Wear protective clothing such
Skin Cancer is the most common type chance of developing melanoma as a wide-brimmed hat, long
of cancer with more cases diagnosed later in life. sleeve shirt and UV protection
each year than all other cancers • Tanning bed use sunglasses.

combined! There are three main types
of skin cancer. Most are either: Dark-skinned people are more likely to • Use 30 SPF UVA/UVB
sunscreen. Keep an extra small
get melanoma on palms of hands, soles
• Basal cell. bottle in your car, purse and kids
of feet, nail beds and lips.
• Squamous cell carcinoma. Th ese backpack.
seldom become life threatening. Recognize Melanoma. Know your • Avoid tanning beds.
ABCDE’s!
• Melanoma. This is less common

• Check your skin thoroughly once
but a more serious cancer. It is A: Asymmetry. One half of a mole
a month. Get to know your skin
responsible for more than 75% of doesn’t look like the other.
and your own pattern of moles,
skin cancer deaths. In Maryland,
B: Border. Irregular edges to a mole, freckles and birthmarks. Have
the highest melanoma rates are
not defi ned. someone else check your back
on the Eastern and Western
and scalp (places that may be
hard for you to see).
EXAMS & CERTIFICATES

Call your doctor if you find any new or
• Truck/Bus Drivers changing skin growths. Taking these
• Basic Med for Pilots steps will significantly reduce your

• Coast Guard for Boaters chances of developing skin cancer and
• Pre-Op for Upcoming Surgery will help you enjoy a happy, sunburn-
free summer!
Board Certified Th e Caroline County Health
Occupational Medicine Department Wellness Programs,
funded in part through the Maryland
C.E. Jensen, MD
Cigarette Restitution Fund, provide
Denton, MD 410-924-8560 no cost to you cancer screening
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