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Skin cancer prevention tips
Posted Mar 9th 2006 9:13PM by Heather Craven
Filed under: Skin Cancer, Melanoma, Prevention
Skin cancer is the
most common type of cancer. This year over 1.3 Americans will be diagnosed with the disease and that number will
continue to increase with time. One positive aspect about skin cancer is that it is largely preventable. By using some
common sense, consistently applying sunblock and wearing sun protective clothing and accessories the adverse effects of
sun exposure can be minimized. Following is a list of simple tips to follow for sun exposure.
- Babies are the most at risk for sun exposure. Infants under the age of six months should be kept out of direct
sunlight at all times.
- The sun is stronger at certain times of the day. It is best to keep out
of the sun between 10
a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun and ultraviolet radiation are most intense.
- Sun smart clothing is a wise
choice. Fabrics with a tight knit and a loose fit are the best bet for skin protection.
- Hats with a wide brim that provide shade for the face and
sensitive neck area are both fashionable and sensible.
- Wear sunglasses that block both ultraviolet-A (UVA) and
ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays. Wearing sunglasses protects eyes from cataracts, retinal damage, macular degeneration and
eyelid cancer.
- Sunblock is a must. A sunblock with a minimum of SPF 30 will bock UVA and UVB
rays.
- Activities that involve reflective surfaces such as water, snow, sand and concrete increase the intensity of sun
exposure. Choosing times when the sun is not at its strongest or wearing protective clothing helps to minimize the
impact of the reflective surfaces.
- Stay away from tanning beds. They are not safe.
Tags: skin cancer, SkinCancer, sun block, SunBlock
