Summer Sun and Skin Cancer

Well, it's starting to feel more like summer everyday.  (Even though one day it will be 90 degrees and the next could be in the 40's--that's springtime in the Rockies)  But, sunny days are ahead.   With the summer weather comes the tank tops, capris, shorts,  and yes, swimming suits and bikinis.  Feeling the sunshine on your skin can be for many an almost religious experience:  hence the term, sun worshiper.   But, modern medical research reminds us that we have to protect our skin from the damaging rays of the sun.   Not just the aging rays that over time can make your face look like an old boot, but even more critical are the rays that cause skin cancer.   Now's a good time, while you have more exposed skin, to really examine your skin and check for unusual moles or lesions.   Is there a new one that you swear wasn't there 6 months ago?   Have any spots changed in size or color or shape since the fall?   Do you have a sore that just won't heal no matter what you do?  Any of these can be warning signs that should not be ignored.   If you have a concern, please see a skin specialist and have him evaluate your situation.   I have seen big, scary looking lesions that turned out to be nothing and little, very benign looking lesions that turned out to be very serious indeed.    Be aware of your skin.   Skin cancer is a serious issue to be dealt with.   Don't wait and see.   Act.