Fight skin cancer with your FSA
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Over 5 million Americans are diagnosed each year, making skin cancer America’s most common cancer. DermatologistOnCall is committed to sharing information on prevention, detection, and treatment throughout the month and all year long.
Use your flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for dermatology products and services.
Your flexible spending account is a powerful tool for combatting skin cancer. With a variety of cancer-fighting products and services covered through this popular benefit, you can prevent and detect this condition without breaking the bank.
Prevent skin cancer with FSA-eligible sunscreen.
Stock up on dermatologist-recommended sun protection. Remember, the average adult should be using one ounce of sunscreen per full-body application, and should be reapplying throughout the day. (Sunscreen should be reapplied every 90 minutes to two hours, especially when you're in the water.) Sunscreen isn't just for the beach, either. UV protection is important during your commute, when you're walking your dog, and when you go out to get your mail. Damage to your skin can and does occur any time you are exposed to the sun's rays.
It’s important to note; sunscreen expires. Check the dates on any unopened bottles to ensure the product is still good to use. Ingredients may degrade over time and especially when exposed to air, heat, or light. Product left open from last year is unlikely to be fully effective. Pitch it and buy a new bottle.
Products to try:
We love CeraVe and LaRoche Posay sunscreen products! These dermatologist-recommended brands offer a spectrum of products with SPF 30+ in a variety of formulas like lotions, sticks, and serums.
Detect skin cancer by using your FSA to pay for an online dermatology visit.
The moment you notice a suspicious spot or mole, you should consult a dermatologist. Fortunately, DermatologistOnCall makes visits simple. Log in to your account, upload photos of the suspicious spot, and your dermatologist will evaluate it and respond with the “all clear” or next steps. That means you can have peace of mind in less than 24 hours (for typical cases, all visits are treated within 72 hours). And, of course, you can pay using your flex spending card. All visits generate a detailed receipt for benefit submission purposes.
For best results:
- Describe the history of your lesion in detail. Include when it first appeared, when it started to change in size, shape, or color, and any symptoms like bleeding or itching.
- If you have a family history of skin cancer, let your dermatologist know.
- Take several photos in a well-lit area.
- Include a coin or ruler in some photos so your dermatologist can understand the size of the lesion.
- Take a deep breath and relax. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early. You’re doing the right thing for your health!