WAYS TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER
9 WAYS TO PREVENT SKIN CANCER
Before diving into the prevention side of melanoma,
or skin cancer, here are some facts you should
know:
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in
the United States.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main
cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come
from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most
dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma.
The good news? Skin cancer can almost always be
cured when it’s found and treated early.
Communities, health professionals, and families can
work together to prevent skin cancer or detect it
early on.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in
the United States. More than 3.5 million skin
cancers in over two million people are diagnosed
annually.
Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer
than the combined incidence of cancers of the
breast, prostate, lung and colon.
Over the past three decades, more people have had
skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in
the course of a lifetime.
Now that we understand why we should prevent it,
here are nine things you can do to reduce your risk
of developing skin cancer… and the earlier you start
applying these principles, the better off you and
your family will be.
1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4
PM
2. Avoid getting a sun burn
3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
4. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed
hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
5. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with
an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended
outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad
spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30
or higher
6. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your
entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours or immediately after
swimming or excessive sweating
7. Keep newborns out of the sun – Sunscreens should
be used on babies over the age of six months
8. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month
9. See your physician every year for a professional
skin exam.
If you have an abnormal growth or coloration on
your skin, or if a mole becomes an irregular shape
or larger than a pencil eraser, check with your
doctor – because the earlier skin cancer can be
detected, the better off you will be.
Before diving into the prevention side of melanoma,
or skin cancer, here are some facts you should
know:
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in
the United States.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main
cause of skin cancer. UV radiation can also come
from tanning booths or sunlamps. The most
dangerous kind of skin cancer is called melanoma.
cured when it’s found and treated early.
Communities, health professionals, and families can
work together to prevent skin cancer or detect it
early on.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in
the United States. More than 3.5 million skin
cancers in over two million people are diagnosed
annually.
Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer
than the combined incidence of cancers of the
breast, prostate, lung and colon.
Over the past three decades, more people have had
skin cancer than all other cancers combined.
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in
the course of a lifetime.
Now that we understand why we should prevent it,
here are nine things you can do to reduce your risk
of developing skin cancer… and the earlier you start
applying these principles, the better off you and
your family will be.
1. Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4
PM
2. Avoid getting a sun burn
3. Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths
4. Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed
hat and UV-blocking sunglasses
5. Use a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with
an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended
outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad
spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30
or higher
6. Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your
entire body 30 minutes before going outside.
Reapply every two hours or immediately after
swimming or excessive sweating
7. Keep newborns out of the sun – Sunscreens should
be used on babies over the age of six months
8. Examine your skin head-to-toe every month
9. See your physician every year for a professional
skin exam.
If you have an abnormal growth or coloration on
your skin, or if a mole becomes an irregular shape
or larger than a pencil eraser, check with your
doctor – because the earlier skin cancer can be
detected, the better off you will be.
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