Preventing Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, but most cases can be prevented! Here, are ten tips to keep you safe in the sun.  More than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year, and the number is growing. Avoid being one of them with these smart sun tips.  Because 90 percent of skin cancers are directly related to exposure to the sun, the best way to stay safe is to avoid spending time outdoors during the most intense hours—from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Don’t think that because you tan inside, you’re safe from cancer! Ultraviolet radiation can be even more dangerous when it comes from a tanning parlor. Remember: Any tan is your skin’s response to damaging rays. Of course, there are times when exposure to sunlight can’t be avoided. That’s why it’s absolutely essential to wear sunscreen every single day, even when it’s cloudy. Not all sunscreens are created equal! The sun has two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the culprit behind sunburn, while UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply, are associated with long-term changes, like wrinkling. For the best protection, pick a sunscreen that blocks both types of ultraviolet rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s seal of approval can help you choose a highly effective brand. Get the most out of your sunscreen by choosing one with a Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, of 30 or higher. An SPF of 15 blocks 93 percent of the sun’s rays, while an SPF of 50 stops 99 percent.  Selecting the right sunscreen is only the first step: To get the full SPF, you must apply enough of it! Use 1 ounce of sunscreen, or a shot glass full. Most people apply half that, which means the actual SPF on the body is lower than advertised.  Apply sunscreen correctly. Cover your entire body 30 minutes before sun exposure, to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. And Reapply every two hours. Give sunscreen some help by wearing clothing and accessories that block UV rays. A broad-brimmed hat and wrap-around sunglasses protect the often-exposed skin around the eyes, ears, face and neck. Generally, light-colored fabrics do not offer much protection from the sun. A white T-shirt provides an average SPF of 7, while a long-sleeved thick denim shirt has an SPF of 1,700! The easiest way to test how well clothing can protect your skin is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through the fabric, UV radiation can penetrate it – and reach your skin.  Be aware of your family’s medical history! If your sibling, parent, or child has had melanoma, you are in a “melanoma-prone family” and are 50 percent more likely to develop the disease. Getting checked regularly by a dermatologist is especially important for you. Engaging in these behaviors can help fend off the harmful effects of the sun’s rays, and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.