Posted by Sarah Nocito on May 24, 2013
Skin cancer is the most common type of all cancers according to the American Cancer Society. Check out their excellent infographic.
Skin protection and cancer prevention are especially important for kids (and adults) who are taking, or have taken, immunosuppressants (thiopurines as an example) to treat IBD – as the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer can be higher for them - according to this article by the American Gastroenterological Society.
The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared the Friday before Memorial Day is ‘Don’t Fry Day’ to encourage sun safety awareness. As get ready to kick off the Memorial Day weekend, consider these tips to help protect your skin:
- Do Not Burn or Tan
- Seek Shade
- Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
- Generously Apply Sunscreen
- Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand
- Get Vitamin D Safely
For more information about Vitamin D - including what it is, how much you need and how to get enough - check out Vitamin D - QuickFacts from the Office of Dietary Supplements at the National Institutes of Health. You can also check out our very first issue of CIRCLE, which featured an article on Vitamin D by Richard Colletti, MD - Network Director for ImproveCareNow.