Prevent Skin Cancer and Keep Your Skin Healthy

As we spend more time enjoying the outdoors, protecting our skin from harmful sun damage doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At Valora Medical Group, we believe every patient deserves healthy, confident skin throughout the years. Let’s share simple yet powerful strategies to prevent skin cancer, and the facts that make them matter.

Common Skin Cancer Types to Be Aware Of

Knowing what to look for can make all the difference:

• Basal Cell Carcinoma: The most common skin cancer, about 4 million Americans are diagnosed every year. While highly treatable, ignoring it can lead to scarring or more invasive procedures.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Appears as stubborn, scaly patches or open sores that can spread if untreated.
• Melanoma: The most deadly form, though far less common, accounting for about 5% of all new cancer cases in the U.S. Around 105,000 new cases are expected in 2025, with approximately 8,430 deaths anticipated. Early detection is robust: when melanoma is confined to the primary site, the 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%, but drops dramatically to around 35% if it spreads.

Why Prevention Matters, Key Statistics.

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting 1 in 5 Americans during their lifetime.
• One in three U.S. adults has experienced a sunburn in the past year, and many skip recommended protection steps.
• Indoor tanning before age 35 raises melanoma risk by up to 75%, making avoidance an essential prevention step.
• Limiting indoor tanning for minors could prevent 61,800 melanoma cases and save 6,700 lives over a lifetime, potentially avoiding $342 million in treatment costs.

Easy Everyday Skin-Protection Habits.

• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours when outdoors.
• Use shade and sun-smart clothing: wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and tightly woven shirts offer strong UV protection, especially during peak sun hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Skip tanning beds entirely: They offer no safety and increase your risk of skin cancer.
• Perform monthly skin self-checks using the “ABCDE” method, watch for Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, or evolving lesions, and contact your provider if anything looks suspicious.

Valora’s Commitment to Your Skin Wellness.

• Annual skin examinations are offered by our providers, with prompt dermatology referrals when needed.
• Ongoing education and support help you and your loved ones adopt sun-smart habits, tailored to your lifestyle and environment.

Take Action Soon, your skin deserves it.

Book your annual skin-health screening with your Valora provider today. Prevention, screening, and care can make all the difference. Your skin and your peace of mind will thank you.

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