According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least one in five people will develop a form of skin cancer at some point in their lives. At Premier Dermatology Clinic, one of the top priorities of Dr. Robert Lee and the team is to prevent, diagnose and treat skin cancer in Toms River, NJ.
Main Causes of Skin Cancer
The primary cause of skin cancer is direct exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun. Although some UV exposure from the sun is safe, and in some cases necessary to keep skin healthy, too much exposure puts people at a higher risk of developing cancer of the skin. In some cases, people can develop skin cancer from overexposure to certain chemicals.
UV rays damage critical DNA in a person's skin, causing abnormal cells to form rapidly. Over time, these abnormal cells form cancerous cells. Warning signs of skin cancer in Toms River, NJ often include skin changes (like a new mole or changes to an existing mole), waxy bumps on the face and neck, red or brown colored lesions, brown-pigmented bumps or rapidly developing age spots.
Who Is at Risk of Developing Skin Cancer?
Any person who spends an extended period of time in the sun without protection is at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. However, some people are at greater risk based on specific characteristics. People with a lighter skin tone, freckles or have a history of easily getting sunburned are at a higher risk.
Additionally, anyone with a personal or family history of skin cancer is at greater risk. Some studies suggest people with blue or green eyes or red or blond hair are also at higher risk.
The bottom line is reducing your exposure to UV rays in any setting will lessen your risk of developing skin cancer in Toms River, NJ – regardless of your risk characteristics. To learn more about developing healthy skin habits to lower your skin cancer risk, contact Dr. Lee and the team today at Premier Dermatology Clinic by calling (732) 934-4141.