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May: Skin Cancer Awareness Month

  • Writer: Jan Harding, DNP, APRN-BC
    Jan Harding, DNP, APRN-BC
  • May 12
  • 1 min read

Farmers and ranchers spend a great deal of time in the sun. Sunshine is good for us! It helps with vitamin D production and can help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety, but sun exposure has risks too.


Too much sun exposure can cause skin damage and skin cancer. Farmers and ranchers are at risk of sun damage and should protect their skin, check their skin, and seek yearly care for their skin.


Below are ways to do this-


Ways to precent skin damage and skin cancer include:

  • Wearing hats

  • Wearing long sleeves and pants

  • Apply sunscreen

  • Taking breaks in the shade

  • Avoid midday sun


Do monthly self-skin checks using the ABCDE's of skin cancer:

  • Asymmetry - Is one half different than the other?

  • Borders - Are the borders irregular?

  • Color - Does the color vary?

  • Diameter - Is it bigger than the end of a pencil eraser?

  • Evolving - Is it changing?


Yearly skin evaluations with a dermatologist:

  • Similar to your yearly exams, with your general practitioner, I would strongly recommend a yearly exam with a dermatologist for skin exam.


Sunshine is great! Protect your skin while in the sun. Below is additional information regarding skin cancer.


-- Jan

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