Skin Cancer Prevention

It is better to take precautions and try to lower the risks of skin cancer then to have to deal with the treatments and worries should you discover that you have contracted skin cancer. There are no guarantees, of course, but taking some simple steps will go a long way to improving your chances of avoiding this all to common form of cancer

Skin cancer represents the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States , and the number of skin cancer diagnoses increases by the year. While the number of deaths caused by skin cancer is low, it is important to treat the disease early to avoid complications. Almost 100% of all skin cancer cases are curable if treated in an early stage.

Skin Cancer Prevention: Avoid excessive exposure to Sun

The main reason that people get skin cancer is excessive exposure of ultra-violet rays to the skin. Ostensibly, excessive exposure to the sun’s rays is the main factor that can cause the disease to develop.

Try to avoid being in the direct sun during its peak hours which are between eleven and three o’clock . This is when the suns rays are at their strongest. If you have to be outside for any length of time during these peak hours be sure to wear a hat. Cover what you comfortably can and use sunscreen on the rest. Your sunscreen should have a SPF , sun protection factor, rating of a minimum of fifteen. There are many who believe that thirty is a safer minimum. Although sunscreen is really good to use never assume that it can protect you one hundred percent. It is still significant to be smart about your exposure to the sun.

For example, you should never assume that because it is a cloudy dull day that the sun’s rays are gone. You may not be able to see the sun but it is still shining behind the clouds and that means that the ultraviolet light is still coming through. At least sixty percent of it is getting through, maybe more. Equally you should not assume that when swimming the water protects you from the sun’s rays. Unless you are submerged at least a foot under the water the suns ray is still reaching you.

Skin Cancer Prevention: Avoid Tanning Salons

The greatest risk of skin cancer is faced by those who have a light complexion and often get freckles. Usually, this is a risk factor for those with red hair or blonde hair. Avoid tanning salons completely. They are not your friends. The use of tanning beds, tanning booths or tanning lamps may give you that healthy glow but they will also give you unwarranted exposure to ultraviolet light.

Studies have established that a tanning session of fifteen to thirty minutes is equivalent to a full day’s exposure to the sun outside. That is not a good thing to do to your body. Tanning lotions, creams and supplements do not increase your risk of skin cancer. But, so far researchers have come out against their use sighting other potential dangers. Having a tan is not worth these added health risks.

Although women seem to work harder on their tans, men are more likely to play outdoor sports. Both are just as likely to work in the garden, mow the lawn or work on exterior house maintenance. These are all outdoor activities that require you to cover up. Parents must take care to make sure that their children are also protected. Their skin is much more delicate. Several bad sunburns as a child puts them more at risk for skin cancer as adults.

Skin cancer is most often diagnosed after age 50, but the damage that ultra-violet rays does to your body begins at an early age, so it is important to keep your tan in moderation. When you are going to the beach, it is important that you wear sun screen.

Wear Sun-Protective Clothes

Another recommendation for those who are outside often is to wear clothes that provide protection from the sun. A tight weaving pattern, loose-fitting clothes, and dark colors are all aspects of proper clothing to wear when trying to avoid UV damage. Drink lots and lots of water to replace what you lose.

Self-Examination Techniques

Learn self-examination techniques. Do this every couple of months as this way if something appears wrong, or wasn’t there in your last self-examination, you will have found it early and go to see your health care provider immediately.

In addition to the risks represented by exposure to the sun and complexion type, it is also important to research whether or not skin cancer has occurred in members of your family. A full 1 in 10 patients that are diagnosed with skin cancer also have a close relative who was diagnosed with the disease.

You also consider wearing waterproof sun protection when you are out swimming. UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through 2 feet of water. You should also remember that clouds and fog do not stop the ultraviolet rays from penetrating and getting to your skin – that’s the job of the ozone layer (which we incidentally are killing off).

While following these risk-decreasing habits, it is also important to ensure that you regularly check your body for the possibility of skin cancer. At least every three months, you should fully examine your body and note all differences in your skin’s appearance. The extended growth of moles, and bumps and interruptions in your skin can be cause for concern when it comes to this disease.