Page 8 June 2011 Dr. James Doris Skin cancer protection By James Doris, M.D. We know that using sunscreen and sun block, wearing hats and protective clothing, and staying in the shade, protect us from sun exposure that can cause skin cancer. Many of us do not follow through. The Centers for Disease Control reports that only 12 percent of teenage girls and 6 percent of teenage boys routinely use a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. About 16 percent of girls and 20 percent of boys stayed in the shade or wore protective clothing. Adults fared better, but only about half said they regularly used one or more ways of sun protection. Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation over time increases your risk for skin cancer. Although fairer-skinned men and women – and those who burn more easily – are more at risk, anyone can get skin cancer. Your risk is increased further if you have more than 50 moles or atypical moles or if a blood relative has had melanoma. Sun exposure can cause other types of skin cancer, too. The survival rate, though, increases dramatically with early detection. Check your skin at least once a year for changes to moles. Moles are common, but changing moles or moles that bleed should be checked by a physician. Your family physician can be your fi rst line of defense by checking suspicious moles and taking biopsies when necessary. A suspicious mole follows the ABCDE rule: A symmetry: Half the mole does not match the other half. B order irregularity: The edges are ragged, notched or blurred. C olor: Uneven pigmentation — different shades of tan, brown or black. Dashes of red, white and blue can add to the mottled appearance. D iameter: Melanomas usually are more Continued on page 16 Keep your preschooler learning and Keep your preschooler learning and having fun all summer long! having fun all summer long! CLS Summer Preschool Half day options from 8:30am-noon Full day options from 8:30am-3:30pm Extended day options from 7:30am-5pm y CHRIST LUTHERAN SCHOOL Christian Values. Quality Education. Preschool through Grade 8 3901 East Indian School Road • 602-957-7010 • www.clsphx.org Activities include art, music, discovery time (math and science centers, etc.), directed play, large and fi ne motor skill development and Jesus time. The Christ Lutheran School Summer Preschool program will be taught by our degreed teachers and aides, in our licensed facility. Children must by 3 years old by June 1 and must be potty trained.