Skin Cancer Prevention

RISK FACTORS FOR SKIN CANCER:
A number of things can put a person at risk for skin cancer. The primary risk factors are:

*You have fair skin, red or blond hair, and light-colored eyes.
*You sunburn easily or have experienced a serious sunburn (sunburns are thought to increase your risk of skin cancer).
*You have many moles or freckles.
*You spend a lot of time working or playing outside.
*You live in tropical or subtropical climates.
*You have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
*You spent a lot of time in the sun as a child. Most skin cancers appear after the age of 50. However, the damaging effects of the sun begin in childhood.
*You tan in the sun or with a sunlamp or tanning bed. Sun lamps and tanning beds give out rays that can cause serious long-term skin damage and contribute to skin cancer.

There are other factors that can impact your risk of damage from UV light.
You must be especially careful in the sun if:

*You have previously been diagnosed and treated for skin cancer, especially melanoma.
*You have any auto-immune disease such as systemic lupus.
*You have had an organ transplant.
*You take oral contraceptives (birth control pills).
*You take any antibiotics that lower your immunity.
*You take any anti-inflammatory, anti-nausea, diuretic, or antidepressant drugs.Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about the risk of any medicines you may be taking that could be harmful to you if you are exposed to sunlight.

SKIN CANCER PREVENTION:
Skin cancer is mostly avoidable if sensible precautions are taken. The following are preventive tips for reducing your risk of developing skin cancer:

*Stay in the shade between 11am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest. UV radiation is at its most intense in the middle of the day between April and September, and is strongest closer to the equator and at higher altitudes.
*You can still get burned on cloudy days. UV rays reach the ground through the clouds.
*UV rays can also pass through water. Never assume you are safe from burning because you are in the water.
*Sand and snow reflect the UV rays. Be especially careful on the beach and in the snow.
*When in the sun, wear protective clothing. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and long skirts offer the most protection. Dark colors are better than light colors. Tightly woven clothing protects better than loosely woven clothing.
*Always wear wide-brimmed hats that shade your face as much as possible.
*Always wear sunglasses. UV-blocking sunglasses can help protect your eyes from sun damage.
*Always apply sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 15 to 30 before spending time in the sun. When applying it, pay close attention to your face, ears, hands, and arms. Sunscreens should be reapplied at least every 2 hours and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. If you are also using insect repellent, make sure the sunscreen is applied first.
*Give yourself a self-exam every month for signs of skin cancer. Examine every inch of your body including your scalp. Use a mirror to expose the areas on the back of your body. Be aware of the moles you have in order to notice any changes that may occur.To effectively prevent skin cancer, you must pay special attention to the risk factors and follow the precautionary tips that are listed above. Taking these steps will greatly decrease you and your family’s chances of developing skin cancer.

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