May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month across the United States. As the sun reappears after a long winter here in the Upper Valley, there is no better time to discuss the causes of and treatments for skin cancer.
“Skin cancer is the most serious aspect of my work as a dermatologist,” Dr. Daniel Peraza says. “It encompasses so many different elements, from the pure science and medicine of a diagnosis to the emotional component that always accompanies cancer. Our primary objective is to guide patients through a fact-based process and explain to them each step of the way. As with any medical condition, information and education are two critical tools in managing skin cancer, and we do our very best to get patients what they need to feel in control.”
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the country, and studies estimate that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer over their lifetime. While any cancer is serious, the good news is that many types of skin cancer are highly treatable.
“When detected early and managed properly, skin cancer can be cured,” Dr. Peraza says. “The best part of my work as a physician is telling patients that we have successfully beat cancer together, and they can resume living their normal, productive lives.”
If there is one thing we could tell every patient, it would be that everybody can take proactive steps to prevent skin cancer right now.
“Applying sunscreen daily, staying out of the sun as much as possible during the hottest parts of the day, wearing protective clothing, and seeing a board certified dermatologist on an annual basis are the baseline measures to prevent skin cancer,” Dr. Peraza notes.
Throughout the month of May, we will be discussing skin cancer causes and treatments on Facebook and Instagram. – follow us there to get special give aways, useful tips, and expert advice.
And be proactive this month about preventing skin cancer – schedule your appointment today with one of our dermatology professionals.
For additional information, the Skin Cancer Foundation provides an overview of skin cancer here in their online facts center.