5 Steps to Reduce Skin Cancer Risk

Seniors are more prone to getting skin cancer than other groups. According to research from Johns Hopkins, seniors are more likely to get skin cancer because of changes in the skin as people get older. And the CDC found that seniors are more likely than other age groups to not wear sunscreen or protect their skin when they’re outside, which can also lead to a higher risk of skin cancer.

If your mom or dad has had skin cancer, or doesn’t do enough to protect their skin, they could have a high risk of developing skin cancer again as they get older. These five things may help lower their risk and protect their skin:

Wear Sunscreen

It sounds simple, and it can be simple, but a lot of seniors just don’t do it. They forget, or they assume that if they’re not going outside they don’t need it. But the fact is that seniors should be wearing a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day.

If your senior parent forgets to put on sunscreen consider getting personal care at home for them. Personal care at home is help for seniors with hygiene related tasks like bathing, brushing their teeth, and putting on sunscreen. Caregivers that specialize in personal care at home for seniors also can help your mom or dad get dressed, brush their hair, and safely get in and out of the shower.

Be Shady

If your mom or dad is going to be outdoors at all they should try to stay in the shade. If they can’t stay in the shade then they should be wearing a hat with a brim big enough to shield their face from the sun. Wearing sunglasses, and clothing that protects their arms and legs, can also help.

Get Regular Skin Cancer Screenings

Every senior should get a skin cancer screening at least once a year as part of their preventative care. A lot of seniors don’t like doing screenings or getting preventative care, but try to convince your mom or dad that skin cancer screening is something they need. If skin cancer is caught early it’s often easily treatable, but only when it’s caught early.

Check The Skin Regularly

It’s very common for seniors to get moles and bumps and raised sections on their skin. But if those moles or bumps or lesions change color, change size, start getting red, or start oozing then they need to be checked out by a dermatologist immediately.

Personal care at home can help seniors check their skin because they can examine more of the skin than your senior parent can. Going to the dermatologist regularly will also make it easier for the doctor to check for any changes in your mom or dad’s skin.

Wear Long Sleeves

When it’s really hot seniors probably don’t want to wear anything long sleeved or long pants. But, clothing does a great job protecting sensitive senior skin from sun exposure. Seniors should wear light clothing made from natural fabrics that breathe like cotton and linen that have long sleeves and full length legs to protect their skin.

Sources:
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2024/03/age-related-changes-in-skin-may-contribute-to-melanoma-metastases
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/research/many-older-adults-dont-protect-their-skin-from-the-sun.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering personal care at home in Mamaroneck, NY, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Scarsdale & Yonkers today. (914) 337-5028.