Summer is here which means that if you are like many people you are thinking about all of the fun and exciting outdoor activities that you will be able to enjoy with the warmer weather, longer days, and slower lifestyle that this season affords. As a family caregiver, however, it is important that you also think about the potential risks that this season may pose. June is Cancer from the Sun Month. This is the ideal time for you to learn more about the risk of developing skin cancer due to exposure to the sun so that you can take steps to reduce this risk and protect your senior from the potential devastation of this type of condition.

Some things that you should know about Cancer from the Sun Month and sun safety include:

• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer throughout the United States
• Nearly 72,000 people are diagnosed with melanomas of the skin in the United States each year
• Of those diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in the United States each year, nearly 42,500 are men
• Of those diagnosed with melanoma of the skin in the United States each year, more than 29,500 are women
• Each year nearly 9,400 people throughout the country die of a melanoma of the skin
• More than 6,000 men die in the U.S. each year as a result of melanoma of the skin
• More than 3,150 women die in the U.S. each year as a result of melanoma of the skin
• Approximately 1 in 5 people throughout the United States will develop some form of skin cancer during the course of their lifetime
• Approximately 90 percent of skin cancers described as “non-melanoma” skin cancers are linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun
• Approximately 65 percent of skin cancers described as melanoma are linked to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun
• Skin cancer is often described as a “lifestyle cancer” because it is so frequently linked to overexposure to UV rays

Starting senior care for your aging loved one can be one of the best decisions that you can make for them in the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a fully customized schedule that is tailored not just to their individual needs, challenges, and limitations, but also their desire to live an active, engaged, and independent lifestyle as they age in place. Through a highly personalized set of services, this care provider can help your parent manage their needs while also supporting them in finding fulfillment and meaning in this new chapter in their lives. When it comes to helping them to remain healthier, this care provider can be valuable source of support and encouragement. Simply helping them to make better lifestyle choices and providing safe and reliable transportation to where they need and want to go can be invaluable for helping your parent live the highest quality of life as they age in place.

Source
https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/behavior.htm
http://careinthesun.org/skin-cancer/skin-cancer-statistics/
http://www.skincancer.org/media-and-press/press-release-2012/skin-cancer-awareness-month
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Herndon, VA, please contact the caring staff at Assisting Hands today. (703) 982-0050.