Get Yourself Screened!!

Yeah, I don't have skin cancer! I had my annual full-body check today with the dermatologist, and I had a few spots I was concerned with, but the dr. gave me a clean bill of health. Whew. But I am one of the lucky ones. I read so many articles these days about skin cancer, and since I had so many sunburns as a young girl, I'm nervous about something developing. Read these facts from Olay, who has teamed up with the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery to sponsor free screenings across the country:

Did you know...
One person dies every hour from skin cancer.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer.
Skin cancer in women under 40 has tripled in the past 30 years.
Five sunburns double a woman's chance of getting skin cancer.
UV exposure at tanning salons is just as risky as sunbathing outside.
People with fair skin that burns rather than tans, people with red hair and people with blue eyes are at greater risk of developing skin cancer.
People who have many (extensive) freckles on their upper back are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer.
People who have a history of sunburns, especially during childhood, are at a greater risk.
The depletion of the ozone layer may be significantly affecting the incidence of melanoma.
Exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and exposure at high altitudes are the most dangerous times to be exposed to the sun.
Those with an impaired immune system — especially those who have had an organ transplant, leukemia or lymphoma — are at a greater risk of melanoma.
According to one study, the use of a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher during the first 18 years of life would cut lifetime risk of melanoma by 78%.

And it was especially nice to hear the dermatologist say she could tell right away I have been using my sunscreen, because she said my skin doesn't have that "age-y" look to it. I beg to differ, but it was nice to hear that from a dermatologist. If only I had known about the powers of sunscreen earlier. My daughter won't have wrinkles till till she's 80 with all the sunblock I slather on her!!

Go to http://www.skincaretakesfriends.org/ for details and to find a free screening in your area for you and a friend. My insurance covered my visit, but even if you can't find a free screening, or even if you're not insured, please go anyway. Skin cancer is way more serious than some think. Take care of yourself!!