Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, yet it is also one of the most preventable and treatable forms of cancer — especially when caught early. At Dermatology Associates, PC, Dr. Sonya Campbell Johnson and her expert team are dedicated to helping patients understand the importance of skin cancer awareness, early detection, and prevention strategies to protect your skin’s health for life.

Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters

Skin cancer develops when skin cells grow uncontrollably due to DNA damage, often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. While anyone can develop skin cancer, people with fair skin, a history of sunburns, excessive sun exposure, or a family history of skin cancer are at higher risk.

Early detection is crucial because skin cancer caught in its earliest stages is often highly treatable, sometimes requiring only simple outpatient procedures. On the other hand, delayed diagnosis can lead to more serious health complications.

Signs to Watch For: Know Your Skin

Regular self-examinations can be life-saving. Dr. Campbell Johnson encourages patients to become familiar with their skin and monitor for any new or changing spots, moles, or lesions. Here are key warning signs to keep an eye on, summarized by the ABCDE rule:

• Asymmetry: One half of a mole or spot doesn’t match the other.
• Border: Edges are irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined.
• Color: Variation in color with shades of brown, black, tan, or even red and white.
• Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
• Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or symptoms like itching or bleeding.

If you notice any suspicious spots or changes, schedule a skin check right away. Dr. Campbell Johnson specializes in thorough skin examinations and advanced surgical procedures like Mohs surgery, which precisely removes skin cancer while sparing healthy tissue.

Prevention Tips: Protect Your Skin Year-Round

Prevention is your best defense against skin cancer. Incorporate these expert tips into your daily routine:

1. Practice Sun Safety

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every day, even on cloudy days.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
• Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-blocking sunglasses.

2. Avoid Tanning Beds

Artificial UV rays from tanning beds increase skin cancer risk dramatically. Opt for safer alternatives to achieve a glow, like spray tans.

3. Stay Vigilant Year-Round

UV rays can reflect off snow, water, and sand, so be cautious even in winter or during outdoor water activities.

4. Schedule Regular Skin Exams

Annual skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Campbell Johnson can catch skin cancer early, often before you even notice symptoms.

Personalized Care with Dr. Sonya Campbell Johnson

At Dermatology Associates, PC, Dr. Campbell Johnson combines her extensive expertise in medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology to provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique skin concerns. Whether you’re managing acne, sun damage, hair loss, or need a comprehensive skin cancer screening, she and her team are here to support you every step of the way.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—make skin health a priority. Early detection saves lives, and prevention keeps your skin healthy and radiant.

Schedule your skin cancer screening or consultation today! Call (317) 961-1868 or visit Dermatology Associates, PC to learn more.