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As summer temperatures rise and more Oklahomans spend time outdoors, INTEGRIS Health is reminding the community that sun protection is about more than avoiding a painful sunburn. It is also an important step in lowering the risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.

Skin serves as the body’s largest and most visible line of defense, but it still needs protection and attention. Every freckle, mole or change in the skin can tell an important story, and knowing what to watch for can make a meaningful difference.

While sunscreen is one of the most important tools for protecting your skin, experts say being “sun smart” involves more than applying SPF before heading outside. It means understanding how sunscreen works, reapplying it properly and paying attention to any changes in your skin throughout the year.

No sunscreen offers 100% protection. It is also important to remember that SPF primarily measures protection from UVB rays, which are responsible for sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and can contribute to premature aging and skin cancer, which is why broad-spectrum sunscreen is recommended.

One helpful way to monitor skin changes is by following the ABCDEs of melanoma.

• Asymmetry means one half of a mole or spot does not match the other.
• Borders that are irregular, ragged or blurred can also be a warning sign.
• Color changes, including uneven shades of brown, black, red, white or blue, should be watched closely.
• Diameter refers to spots larger than 6 millimeters, or about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolving is one of the most important signs and includes any change in size, shape, color or symptoms such as itching or bleeding.

“You should see a doctor for skin cancer concerns if you notice any new, unusual or changing spots on your skin,” says Kevin Jolliff, M.D., a board-certified general surgeon with INTEGRIS Health Medical Group General Surgery South. “This includes moles or lesions that grow, change color, have irregular borders, bleed, itch persistently or don’t heal. Early evaluation is key, as skin cancer is most treatable when caught early.”

For more information about skin cancer warning signs, the different types of skin cancer and when to see a doctor, read this INTEGRIS Health blog.