It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Are you at risk?

Unprotected exposure to UV rays, whether outside or in a tanning bed, is a key risk factor for skin cancer. Valley News/Courtesy photo
Understand your likelihood of developing the world’s most common cancer More people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the U.S. than all other cancers combined. It shouldn’t come as a surprise, then, that people of every age, race and gender are affected by the disease. Simply put, if you have skin, you can get skin cancer. However, some people are at higher risk for the disease than others. Understanding the factors contributing to your chances of developing skin cancer can help you prevent the disease.“There is a clear connection between ultraviolet rays from the sun and a higher risk of skin cancer,” Deborah S. Sarnoff, M.D., president of The Skin Cancer Foundation, said. “Everyone should be taking steps to protect themselves, but those with additional risk facto
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