Wellness, Plastic Surgery & Skin Care
General Page Tier 3
Why Everyone Needs Sunscreen
Blog
We’ve all heard about the importance of sunscreen, but sometimes it can be tempting to skip it, especially if you have a skin tone that doesn’t burn. However, even though melanin (the pigment in your skin) offers some natural protection from UV rays, it doesn’t provide full coverage or give immunity to skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is often diagnosed at more advanced stages in people of color, which can lead to worse outcomes.
Tips for keeping your skin safe in the sun
You can lower your risk of skin cancer by making sun protection a daily habit. Finding the right sunscreen for you is a good place to start. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher to protect you from UVA and UVB radiation from the sun. To avoid “white cast,” look for formulas labeled sheer, clear or “for all skin tones.”
Once you have a good sunscreen, follow these simple steps:
Apply sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy or you don’t plan to go outside.
Don’t be shy, use plenty. Apply at least two finger-lengths of sunscreen to your face for full protection.
Reapply sunscreen every couple of hours, especially if you’re sweating or swimming.
Seek shade, especially during peak hours of sun in the middle of the day.
Wear hats, sunglasses and long sleeves to protect your skin.
Stay on the lookout for sun damage
It’s crucial to keep an eye out for signs of skin cancer and other sun damage. Here’s what to look for:
Changes in moles
Dark patches
Discoloration under the eyes or around the mouth
Skin that feels dry or rough
It’s also important to consider the location of sun damage. For example, melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer, often appears on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet of people of color.
Checking your skin frequently can help you catch skin cancer early when it is most treatable. Getting regular skin checks from a dermatologist or primary care doctor can also help you catch skin damage before it becomes dangerous. If they find any suspicious spots, your provider may order a biopsy and imaging tests to determine next steps.
If cancer is found, several treatments are available. In many cases, skin cancer can be removed surgically by a dermatologist. This is an outpatient procedure and patients are able to go home after surgery. For more advanced cases, treatment may involve a longer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or a combination of these options. The cancer care team at Luminis Health can work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.
Skin cancer concerns are nothing to ignore. If you have questions about how to protect your skin or are worried about a new spot or mole, speak with your primary care provider today. Visit Luminis.Health/PrimaryCare to make an appointment.
Authors
Dr. Naeem Newman is a surgical oncologist and general surgeon. He is dedicated to a multi-disciplinary approach to cancer care, in collaboration with colleagues from medical and radiation oncology, radiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology and pathology.
News & Press Releases
General Page Tier 3
Luminis Health Names Catherine Maloney as System COO, EVP and President of LHAAMC
Blog
Annapolis, Md.-- Following an extensive national search, Luminis Health is pleased to announce the appointment of Catherine Maloney, PT, MSPT, MSHA, FACHE, as the organization’s new System Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President. She will also serve as president of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center (LHAAMC), the premier hospital serving Annapolis, Maryland's Eastern Shore, and surrounding communities. Maloney will begin her new role in late September.Maloney joins Luminis Health from Emory Healthcare in Atlanta, where she most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for Emory University Hospital and Emory University Orthopaedics and Spine Hospital. During her nearly two-decade tenure there, she led key initiatives to improve quality, patient experience, and operational and financial performance. Maloney championed improvements to patient experience and flow in the emergency department, oversaw strategic expansion construction projects, and led initiatives to reduce first-year turnover and the use of contract labor.“Catherine is an excellent fit for Luminis Health,” said Tori Bayless, CEO of Luminis Health. “She brings an impressive track record of operational expertise, clinical excellence and dedication to mission-driven leadership that aligns with our RISE values of Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence. "As System Chief Operating Officer, Maloney will oversee operations across Luminis Health and lead system-wide functions including Quality and Patient Safety, Information Technology, Human Resources, and the LHAAMC Foundation.“Luminis Health is a special place," Maloney said. "My goal is to build on the proud tradition by strengthening our efforts to improve health outcomes and expand access to quality care for all of the communities we serve. As President of Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center, I’m honored to lead an extraordinary hospital that’s been serving the Annapolis community for nearly 125 years. I’m excited to work alongside such a dedicated team of professionals committed to advancing population health."Maloney will succeed Sherry B. Perkins, PhD, RN, FAAN, who is retiring after a long and storied career, including 16 years at Luminis Health, the last six as president of LHAAMC.