Sandra asks…What happens during a skin cancer screening?I signed up for a free skin cancer screening at my local clinic. I’m curious if anybody knows what is a skin cancer screening? Do they just look at your skin or do they run actual tests? I have one unusual mole in particular that I would like to know if it’s cancerous or not, but I’m wondering if this is just more of a consultation rather than an actual test for skin cancer? Just wondering so I know if I would just be better off making an appointment that specializes in actual skin cancer tests? answers:They just look and refer you to a doctor if they see anything they don’t like.
I think a direct appointment about that mole is a good idea.Laura asks…How high are my chances of getting skin cancer?Yesterday I was at the pool with my friend, and she told me I have high chances of getting skin cancer. I have blond hair, blue eyes, very pale skin, I get burned easily, lots of moles and beauty marks, and I actually have a family history of cancer. She said these all made my chances higher of getting skin cancer. If so, should I use more sunscreen? What SPF? How can I help prevent skin cancer but still go outside regularly? Thanks for all of your help! answers:There are simple things you can do to try and protect yourself from skin cancer.
1) Wear a hat when you know you’ll be outside for longer than half an hour. It doesn’t have to be a full blown sun hat, a baseball or newsboy hat will do.
2) If you know that you’ll at the beach or the pool, make sure you apply SPF 50 sunscreen.
3) The suns UV rays are strongest the hours between 11am and 4pm.
4)