Summer in Alameda means more time outdoors, whether heading to Crown Memorial Beach, dining outside at Alameda Point, or enjoying a picnic at the island’s waterfront parks. Those everyday moments in the sun also serve as a reminder that protecting your skin should be part of every summer routine.
We sat down with Leon Clark Jr., MD, chief of dermatology at Alameda Health System (AHS), to talk about common misconceptions about sun protection, why skin cancer risk is often overlooked, and how residents can better protect their skin throughout the summer months.
“Many people associate sun damage only with hot days at the beach, but ultraviolet exposure happens during everyday activities like walking the dog, eating lunch outside, spending time at the park, or even while driving to work,” said Clark. “Protecting your skin with sunscreen, shade, and protective clothing is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.”
Nonmelanoma skin cancer, primarily basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, is largely caused by accumulated, unprotected exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or artificial tanning beds. Melanoma, the fifth most common cause of cancer in the United States, can be deadly and continues to rise nationwide…