Simply making sure that you don’t get sun-burnt is not protection enough. Skin cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer in America, can be prevented by making a few simple lifestyle changes, and by including a few simple preventative tips into your daily routine.
Skin cancer is one of the most common, and also one of the most preventable forms of cancer in the United States. A staggering one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, and about 10,000 deaths per year are attributed to this disease. It’s important that individuals follow skin cancer prevention guidelines in order to completely minimize the risk of skin cancer. You don’t need to take medication or sign up for some complex, side-effect riddled treatment to keep yourself safe from this crippling, and possibly fatal disease. A few key skin cancer prevention steps will be more than enough to lower your risk of contracting skin cancer. These tips are simple, effective and inexpensive ways to avoid this widespread disease.
Slap on that sunscreen every time you step out of the house! According to the American Cancer Society, sunscreen must be applied every day. In fact, when you’re out and about you should apply sunscreen every two hours for adequate protection. Make sure that you use a good quality sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15.
The intensity of the sun’s UV rays fluctuates during different times of the day. Between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm, however, the sun’s rays are at their strongest and most harmful intensity. Avoid planning your daily activities during this time of the day- early morning, evening or night are the safest times to get out.
This skin cancer prevention tip is as simple as it gets - wear a hat when out of doors! Choose a hat with a 2 to 3 inch brim all around for maximum protection from the sun’s rays. Straw hats are not always the best option because they are loosely woven and can let UV rays filter through.
It might be tempting to use a tanning bed to get that perfect sun-kissed look for the summer festivities. However, research shows that regular use of tanning beds (at least once a month) increases the risk of cancer by a shocking 55%! Switch to safer options such as temporary bronzers, spray-on tanning and self-tanning lotion to help promote skin cancer prevention.
The popular belief is that white clothing reflects the sun’s rays. In reality, white clothing is actually an inadequate form of protection from UV rays and is an ineffective form of skin cancer prevention. Wear dark colored clothing, or tightly woven fabrics (such as silk and polyester) for greater protection.
There are many forms of skin cancer. To ensure maximum skin cancer prevention from all of them you must take care of all the exposed parts of your skin including the sensitive area around the eyes, and the lips. Invest in a pair of wraparound style sunglass frames that protect your eyes and lower the risk of contracting ocular skin cancer. Reapply SPF containing lip balm and lipsticks every few hours, especially after eating.
