While we wait for warmer temperatures to arrive in Northeast Michigan, it is important to remember to protect your skin all year long. The Alpena Cancer Center at MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, recommends protecting your skin from the sun to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.

The vast majority of skin cancer falls into one of three cancer types; melanoma, basal cell cancer, or squamous cell cancer. Basal cell cancer and squamous cell cancer are the most common types of skin cancers. They are thought to be a result of chronic daily sun exposure over a lifetime. This is why they frequently erupt in areas with chronic sun exposure such as the face and forearms. Melanoma is thought to be associated with extreme sunburns. While melanoma represents only 4 percent of all skin cancers, it represents 80 percent of skin cancer related deaths.

Radiation oncologist Mario Lacerna, M.D., recommends the following tips to protect your skin:

* Use a UVA/UVB sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For outdoor activity, use SPF of 30 or higher.

* Don’t forget to reapply often especially if you are in the water or sweating.

* Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most intense.

* Wear protective clothing – a wide-brimmed hat, a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders, and pants. The best fabric for skin protection has a tight weave to keep sunlight out.

* Set a good example for your children by protecting your skin from too much sun.

* Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that your risk of melanoma increases by 75 percent if you start using artificial tanning before you are 30 years old.

It also is recommended to perform a simple skin self-exam regularly. The best time to do this self-exam is after a shower or bath. Check skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror. It’s best to begin by learning where your birthmarks, moles, and blemishes are and what they usually look like. Check for anything new, such as a change in the size, texture, or color of a mole, or a sore that does not heal.

* Look at the front and back of your body in the mirror, then raise arms and look at the left and right sides.

* Bend elbows and look carefully at palms; forearms, including the undersides and the upper arms.

* Examine the back and front of your legs.

* Sit and closely examine feet, including the soles and the spaces between the toes.

* Look at your face, neck, and scalp.

“Learning healthy habits of sun protection at a young age will prevent long lasting damage of the skin,” Lacerna said. “Sun safety for children should be a priority.”

By checking your skin regularly you will become familiar with what is normal. If you find anything unusual, see your health care provider right away. Remember, the earlier skin cancer is found, the better the chance for cure.

Those interested in more information about skin cancer or other forms of cancer may contact the Alpena Cancer Center at 356-7353.

MidMichigan Health is a non-profit health system, headquartered in Midland, Michigan, affiliated with the University of Michigan Health System. Recently named one of the nation’s 15 Top Health Systems by Truven Health AnalyticsTM, MidMichigan Health covers a 20 county region with medical centers in Midland, Alma, Clare, Gladwin, and now Alpena. In addition to the Medical Centers, MidMichigan Health also includes home care and MidMichigan Physicians Group which offers urgent care and medical offices with more than 31 specialties and subspecialties. These include cardiology, hematology/oncology, orthopedics, vascular surgery, family medicine and more. MidMichigan has more than 7,200 employees, volunteers and physicians and provided $76 million in community benefits in fiscal year 2015.