Skin Cancer Prevention – What You Need To Know

Ninety percent of melanomas are from a lack of skin cancer prevention. The American Cancer Society reports on their web site that ten percent of melanomas, a form of skin cancer, are due to family history and genetics. It is not always easy to avoid sun exposure, but you should always wear some form of protection, whether it is a lotion or a piece of clothing. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer affecting men and women, but it is also the most preventable.

Skin cancer comes in two forms, melanomas and non-melanomas. Melanomas usually account for only four percent of diagnosed skin cancers, but they are considered to be the most deadly. Melanomas occur in the epidermis, the skin’s outer layer, usually appearing as a dark mole with uneven edges. If detected early through skin cancer prevention, melanomas can be eliminated without causing harm. If ignored, these cancers can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Non-melanomas, on the other hand, are comprised of two different cell types, basal cells and squamous cells. Both of these cells are caused from sun exposure, but basal cells form in the lower epidermis while squamous cells form in the upper epidermis.

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For many individuals, avoiding the use of tanning beds is a necessary step to take when it comes to skin cancer prevention. The Food and Drug Administration explains that tanning beds are not safer than going out in the sun just because they emit only UVA rays. UVA rays have been linked to skin cancer and immune deficiencies. If you don’t use tanning beds on a regular basis, but enjoy lying in the sun by a pool or on a beach, you should use protective methods. This is especially the case if you are more susceptible to the risks of skin cancer. People with red or blonde hair and fair skin are automatically at a greater risk for skin cancer. Having freckles or skin that burns easily can also put you in harms way for skin cancer. Understanding your family history and knowing how high your risks are before stepping out into the sun is a crucial first step in preventing any kind of skin cancer.

Sunscreen is recommended as a form of protection against the sun. The American Cancer Society urges the use of waterproof sunscreen that has an SPF15 or more of both UVA and UVB protection. You should also apply at least an ounce of sunscreen for your body twenty minutes before going out into the sun. Too often, individuals forget to re-apply their sunscreen after being exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Also be sure to avoid the sun during 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. because this is when the sun’s rays are most intense. Staying unprotected in the sun during this time is when you put yourself in the danger zone for damaging healthy skin cells.

Proper skin cancer prevention should be practiced by everyone in your family, even babies. Doctors recommend babies that are six months or younger stay out of the sun. Teaching your children to be sun smart is important for their health too. Find shady areas when you take them outside to play and be sure they have the proper protection on. Clothing is another way to protect yourself and your family from harmful rays. Wear hats that have wide brims to cover all areas of your neck, ears, eyes and scalp.

Being sun smart and practicing skin cancer prevention should start at a young age. Nevertheless, it is better to be late with learning how to protect your skin than forgoing it altogether. Skin cancer is one of the leading cancers among Americans, giving you more reason to take the necessary precautions against it. Use sunscreen, know your family history and wear the proper clothing outside to keep your skin healthy and cancer free.