Safety MattersOur blog discussing workplace safety opportunities in Nova Scotia and around the world.https://www.worksafeforlife.ca/safetymattersblogGet to Know the Skin You’re Inhttps://www.worksafeforlife.ca/safetymattersblog/PostId/63/get-to-know-the-skin-youre-inGeneralMon, 15 Jul 2013 18:50:48 GMT<p>If you thought that skin cancer, or melanoma, was one of the &ldquo;lesser&rdquo; cancers, think again.&nbsp; What makes it so deadly is that it can transfer easily from skin to lymph nodes.</p> <p>Incidents are on the rise across Canada and skin cancer is now the most common cancer diagnosed.&nbsp; And it may come as a shock that Nova Scotia has the highest incidence rate in Canada.</p> <p>Protecting yourself and your children from ultraviolet radiation, believed to be the leading cause of skin cancer, is the best approach to prevention.&nbsp; Cover up with a wide-brimmed hat and light clothing, use sunscreen with a minimum SPF rating of 15, avoid being in the sun during peak UV hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and finally, avoid tanning beds.</p> <p>The good news is that early detection is key. Use the ABCDE approach when examining moles on your skin for unusual changes:</p> <p>Assymetry &ndash; bigger on one side<br /> Border &ndash; unusual shape<br /> Colour &ndash; usually more than one, often brownish<br /> Diameter &ndash; larger than usual<br /> Evolution &ndash; changes in size or sideways growth</p> <p>And don&rsquo;t delay visiting your doctor. For more information, take a look at this handout from the Canadian Dermatology Association: <a href="http://www.dermatology.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Melanoma-handout-EN.pdf">http://www.dermatology.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Melanoma-handout-EN.pdf</a>.</p>63