Excessive amounts of exposure to the sun and its ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause skin cancer. I would hope that everyone knows that by now! There are ways though in which you can reduce your risk for skin cancer, such as:
- Protect your skin! Protecting you skin, and that of your family members from UV radiation
- Perform frequent self-skin examinations
- Find out whether or not you have an increased risk in your family history of developing melanoma or other skin cancers
You should know that the sunlight that reaches the earth has ultraviolet A and B (UVA and UVB) rays. These UV rays are the causes of damage to the skin due to sun exposure. Some people are more susceptible than others to skin damage, and you know who you are! Certain factors may mean that you have an increased risk of developing skin cancer.
Some of those factors may include:
- Personal history of skin cancer
- Family member(s) with skin cancer
- More than 50 moles
- Abnormal moles (take mole size and color into consideration)
- A weakened immune system
- Severe sunburns throughout your lifetime
- Living in a sunny or high altitude climate or near the equator
- Fair skin that burns or freckles easily and does not tan
Sunburns as a child are the most damaging to the skin. The earlier in life that you are burned by the sun, the greater the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. This is why it is so important that you keep your children lathered up all day long with a high SPF sun block.
There are ways in which you can stop skin cancer before it starts for yourself or your family.
- Exposure to the sun is the most common cause of skin cancer. Sunburns do the most damage, but sustained time in the sun increases the risk of skin damage and mole growth, so apply sun block throughout the day and avoid excessive sun exposure.
- Most early skin cancers are easily seen on the skin and may be curable if treated early.
- Some people have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others. If you are aware that you are at a greater risk, then take steps to prevent sunburn and protect your skin and have regular skin exams.
Avoiding skin cancer can be as simple as protecting your skin and taking a good look at it regularly. Take all the precautions you can to protect your skin now and in the future. While sunscreens play a vital role in protecting your skin from UV radiation, it cannot prevent skin damage if you are exposed to the sun’s rays for long periods of time. Experts always recommend that you use multiple methods to fully protect your skin. Try staying out of the sun at the peak hours of 10a.m. to 4p.m. Wear protective clothing like hats, glasses and loose fitting clothing. Always wear sunscreen that has an SPF of 15 or higher, and protects against UVA and UVB rays, even in the winter! Enjoy the sun, but always remember to take advantage of all the ways you can prevent skin cancer and protect your skin for a lifetime.
Staff – Everything Antiaging.com