May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. It kicks off with Melanoma Monday, which is the first Monday of the month. Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, and there is still much work to do to raise awareness.

The doctors at the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group are committed to reminding patients to care for and protect the skin on their feet and ankles, too. Skin cancer won’t skip this area. We often highlight the importance of applying sunscreen from head to toe. Wearing sunscreen offers another layer of protection to our delicate skin. Here are three facts about skin cancer.

It is common.

Did you know skin cancer is the most diagnosed form of cancer? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, there are more than 5 million cases diagnosed in the United States each year. The most common causes are unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays and tanning bed usage.

Rate your risk: Do you skip sunscreen or use tanning beds?

It is preventable.

While this form of cancer is most common, it is also considered one of the most preventable forms. There are practical ways to reduce your risk of receiving a diagnosis. As podiatrists, we take this hope and want to help our patients walk around with the best layer of protection.

Rate your risk: Do you think about your feet and ankles during sunscreen application?

You can see it early.

Are you surprised that we are talking about foot inspections? We hope not. During this month, we have another reason to share the importance of checking in on your feet and ankles. With skin cancer, there are visible signs that you can see. A new or changing mole is an example.

Rate your risk: Are you ignoring the signs of a changing mole?

Here are the facts: Skin cancer is common, but it is also preventable. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, one in five Americans will receive a diagnosis by age 70. However, with early detection, there is an increased risk of a positive outcome. We want to help you reduce your risk and get into a rhythm of protecting your skin. We can help.

At the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians & Surgeons Group, there are almost 30 foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists, and doctors. With more than 30 locations, from Newark, NJ, to Cape May, NJ, we value convenience and excellent service for our patients. We offer compassionate, cutting-edge care across our network, and we specialize in treating the following conditions: ankle and sports injuries, heel pain and plantar fasciitis, bunions, hammertoes, corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, diabetic foot care complications, children’s foot problems, skin conditions of the feet, and fungal nails. Our group is among the best foot and ankle providers in the country. To schedule an appointment, first find a podiatrist in your area.