How to Prevent Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and in most of the cases are detected in the early stages itself. There are three types of this cancer - basal cell cancer, squamous cell cancer, and melanoma. The first two types are referred to as non-melanoma skin cancer, which rarely spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma skin cancer is the most uncommon and gravest form of skin cancer. It can spread to other body parts and even cause death. Among the three forms of skin cancer, basal cell cancer is the most common form of cancer, which are detected in sun-exposed areas of the body, mostly the face. This type of cancer rarely spread and can be cured by radiation or surgery. Squamous cell cancer is less common, as compared to basal cell carcinomas, and spread to other parts in a very slow manner.

It is believed that 85% of skin cancer is caused by over exposure to sun. It may be the result of non-healing wounds and burns, old age, exposure to organic arsenic, repeated exposure to X-ray, human papilloma virus (HPV), and many other factors. Fair-skinned people and those with a family history of skin cancer are also at risk. Some of the causes like exposure to sun are preventable, while some others are not. Let us find out the various ways on how to prevent skin cancer or its occurrences.

Protection from the Sun

The single largest cause for skin cancer being over exposure to the sun, the occurrence of this disease can be prevented to some extent by protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun.

• Avoid exposure to sun, especially during the peak hours of the day - 9 am to 4 pm.
• Don't allow kids to go out in the sun, as they bear skin which is more sensitive than adults.
• Confine your outdoor activities to shaded areas.
• Whenever you go outside (during daytime), wear protective clothing like full-sleeves, broad-brimmed hats etc.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes and apply lip balm on your lips.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which can shield you from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun. In case of swimming, you can apply a waterproof sunscreen or reapply the regular one every two hours. For optimum results, try to apply the sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
• Deliberate tanning from the sun should be avoided. Tanning lamps are also not advisable, as there is a risk of ultraviolet radiation.
• Check out the risk caused by long-term usage of your skin cream, or lotion containing tar.

These protective measures are needed on cloudy days too. Most of the rays of the sun can penetrate clouds, mist and fog. Hence, there is a possibility of sunburn on cloudy days too. It is advisable to stick to these measures, if you are near water or in a snowy area.

The other precautionary measures against skin cancer include avoiding usage of pesticides or herbicides containing organic arsenic, maintaining a healthy immune system by a diet rich in antioxidants, etc. Be prompt in consulting your doctor, whenever you come across lesions or irregularities in your skin. Check out for discolored moles or those with irregular shapes.