May Is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

Did you know May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month? I lost an aunt to Melanoma several years ago, and saw what a battle she had with the disease.

Our friends at the The Skin Revitalizing Center and The Dermatology Offices of Jack A. Dekkinga M.D. and Gina C. Ang, M.D. donned special t-shirts on Monday – Melanoma Awareness Day - in tribute to Jillian Hayes, a Hudsonville native who died from melanoma in December at the age of 23. In case you didn't know....

• Melanoma kills more young women below the age of 29 that any other form of cancer and is second to only to breast cancer in women up to the age of 39.

• Melanoma rates among teens and people in their early 20’s are increasing at what some dermatologist are calling epidemic rates.

• There is no cure for melanoma. Prevention is the only way to beat this disease.

So slap on that sunscreen! The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention recommends we all Slip! Slop! Slap!...and Wrap when outdoors – slip on a shirt, slop on broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap on sunglasses. Be safe, the summer months are coming!

The Dermatology Offices of Jack A. Dekkinga, M.D. and Gina C. Ang, M.D. and The Skin Revitalizing Center are full service dermatology and skin care practices. Offices are located at 4285 Parkway Place, Grandville near the Rivertown Crossings Mall and  in Holland. They'll take good care of you, and your skin - but it stars with you!