Marshall Health News
Stay Sun Smart: The Importance of Sun Safety and Skin Care
6/1/2024
Although it is not the most commonly diagnosed skin cancer, melanoma poses the greatest threat to those who neglect sun safety and skin care. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial, and taking preventive measures can save lives.
“Skin cancers are very treatable if caught early,” said Shane E. Cook, M.D., Marshall Health board-certified dermatologist and associate professor and chair of dermatology at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. “We encourage patients to seek a board-certified dermatologist for a full skin check at least once a year, especially if you have a family history of skin cancer or you neglected sun safety in your childhood.”
Dr. Cook stresses the importance of not only protecting yourself but also ensuring your loved ones are safe.
“I see a lot of patients who are mindful of applying sunblock to their children but forget to use it themselves. It's essential to prioritize your own health, alongside your children.”
Marjorie Jobst, a 73-year-old stage 1 melanoma survivor, was diagnosed by Dr. Cook this year and has since realized the life-saving impact of early detection.
“Dr. Cook is wonderful; he found my melanoma within 30 seconds. He looked at my arm and immediately noticed something wasn’t right. To me, it looked like a normal freckle, but Dr. Cook knew it was something more.”
Marjorie now has regular three-month check-ups and has encouraged her family and friends to get checked as well.
“I would tell everyone to get past what makes them uncomfortable because this is so important. I would’ve never been able to find this skin cancer on my own. I didn’t know what to look for, but Dr. Cook did. I would recommend him to anyone. His ability to detect potential issues truly saved my life.”
To schedule an appointment at Marshall Dermatology, please call 304.691.1930 (Huntington location) or 304.691.1833 (Teays Valley location). Early detection and proactive sun safety measures can make all the difference in preventing and treating skin cancer. Don’t wait—protect your skin and get checked today.
Essential Sun Safety Tips
Dr. Cook recommends the following steps to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation:
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the UV index is highest.
- Use Mineral-Based Sunscreen: Apply a mineral-based sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, but higher SPF is recommended for better protection.
- Reapply Sunblock: Ensure you reapply sunscreen every hour, especially after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Sun-Protective Clothing: Utilize sun-protective clothing, including swim shirts and wide-brimmed hats, to shield your skin.
Article by Meagan Archer
Also, WATCH Dr. Cook's WSAZ-TV about summer skin care: https://bit.ly/4bKl6ub
Media Relations Contact
Michele McKnight
Assistant Director of External Affairs
304-691-1713
mcknigh4@marshall.edu
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