{"id":8172,"date":"2024-07-19T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2024-07-19T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8172"},"modified":"2024-07-19T13:30:00","modified_gmt":"2024-07-19T13:30:00","slug":"how-to-have-more-fun-in-the-sun-uv-safety-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/itsveterans.com\/?p=8172","title":{"rendered":"How to have more fun in the sun: UV Safety Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

Originally published:<\/strong> 2024-07-19T13:30:00+00:00. Historical source article: benefits, rules, amounts and deadlines may have changed. Check the official source for current information.<\/p>\n

Do you know the warning signs of skin cancer? July is UV Safety Awareness Month, and it\u2019s important to know that anyone<\/a>, no matter their skin tone, can get skin cancer.\u00a0Skin cancer is the most common cancer among Veterans and the leading form of cancer<\/a> in the United States. It\u2019s important to understand the dangers of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, recognize what skin cancer might look like as it develops, and know how VA can help.\u00a0<\/p>\n

UV Safety: Knowing the facts about Skin Cancer\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n

\u202fSkin cancer can be divided into two groups: melanoma and nonmelanoma (also known as keratinocyte cancers). Most nonmelanoma skin cancers are either basal cell or squamous cell cancers. Basal and squamous cell cancers can usually be cured, but they often lead to scarring and can be disfiguring. In the United States, about 3 million cases of nonmelanoma skin cancer, or keratinocyte carcinoma, are diagnosed each year (Skin Cancer Screening \u2013 NCI<\/a>).\u00a0<\/p>\n

Melanoma, while less common, causes the most skin cancer deaths as it can spread to other parts of the body, including the internal organs. Melanoma also can occur anywhere on the body\u2014even in areas that are never exposed to UV radiation.\u202f\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

The three most important risk factors for skin cancer are UV radiation, immunosuppression and genetic factors.\u00a0Most cases of skin cancer are caused by overexposure to UV rays from the sun, tanning beds or sunlamps. Veterans may be at increased risk for skin cancers depending on their level of exposure to the sun and their role in the military.\u00a0<\/p>\n

When found early, skin cancer is more easily treated, making it even more important to know the warning signs.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

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You should let your VA provider know of any changes on your skin or any concerns about your skin, and they can check for lesions with warning signs of melanoma and other skin conditions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Dr. Jesse Keller, an oncologist at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis, specializes in the treatment of melanoma and skin cancers and encourages Veterans to conduct regular skin checks. Keller\u00a0 emphasized that Veterans at risk of or facing a skin cancer diagnosis can receive care through VA\u2019s National TeleOncology Program (NTO), regardless of where they live.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s best to receive cancer care from a specialist who is an expert in your type of cancer, and NTO can provide skin cancer care and services to you,\u201d Dr. Keller said.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Routine screening for skin cancer\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force\u202fhas concluded there is not enough evidence\u202f<\/a>to recommend for or against routine screening, which consists of a total body examination by a doctor, to find skin cancers early. This conclusion applies only to people who do not have a history of skin cancer and who do not have any suspicious moles or other spots (Screening for Skin Cancer | Skin Cancer | CDC<\/a>). However, it is important to notify your provider if you have any concerns about or changes in your skin.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Fast UV safety tips for preventing skin cancer\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n

By protecting yourself from harmful UV radiation, you can prevent or lower your risk of skin cancer. Here are some tips from the Veterans Health Library<\/a> to get you started:\u00a0<\/p>\n