Skin cancer, with over 5 million cases diagnosed each year, is the most common and preventable cancer in America. May is dedicated to Skin Cancer Awareness to share facts, speak up and save lives.
With warm weather approaching, people tend to spend more time outside in the sun. Skin damage can happen in as little as 15 minutes. Too much exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun can increase the risk for skin cancer. There are many ways to protect your skin from the UV rays including staying in the shade, using sunscreen regularly, and wearing appropriate clothing outside. Protection is still needed even on cool, cloudy days.
Some people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others. Some of the risk factors are:
- Light colored skin
- Skin that burns or freckles rather than tans
- Blonde or red hair
- Blue or green eyes
- Have more than 50 moles
- Have irregular shaped or darker moles
- Using indoor tanning beds
- Higher exposure to sun from outdoor activities
Though there are many different types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are the most common, and melanoma is the most deadly. With early detection and treatment, the cure rate for BCC and SCC is 95%. The best way to detect skin cancer early is by doing regular self-skin exams as well as an annual professional exam. ABCDE of melanoma are the most important signs to look for when checking for spots on your skin:
A: Asymmetry – one half is unlike the other half
B: Border – irregular, scalloped or poorly defined borders
C: Color – varies from one area to another; has shades of black, brown or tan and can sometimes be white, red or blue
D: Diameter – more than 6mm wide, about the size of a pencil eraser
E: Evolving – changes in color, shape or size
Below are some facts about skin cancer:
- Having five or more sunburns doubles the risk for melanoma
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70
- With early detection, the five year survival rate for melanoma is 99%
- More than 400,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. each year are linked to tanning beds
- More than two people die of skin cancer in the U.S. every hour
If you notice new or changing spots on your skin, it is crucial to see your doctor right away as it could save your life.
As a Local 663 member, you have access to TEAM, an employee assistance provider, at no cost to you. (800) 634-7710 | www.startwithteam.com
To ensure you receive all pertinent information, please update your address with the Fund Office, Wilson-McShane Corporation, when you move. To update your information, you may access the Change of Personal Information Form from the website www.663benefits.com. You may also call (952) 851-5797 or toll-free (844) 468-5917 to request a Change of Information Form.
An annual meeting of the Minneapolis Meat Cutters & Food Handlers Properties, Inc. shall be held on May 6, 2024, at 11 o’clock a.m. at its corporate headquarters located at 6160 Summit Drive North, Suite 600, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55430. The purpose of the meeting will be to elect directors to hold office until the next annual meeting and to conduct such other business as may be brought before the membership at such meeting.