5 Different Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

06/14/2018 06:00AM | 5582 views

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Skin cancer can be prevented if the right steps are taken to prevent it. People who have genetic disorders, or are prone to the risk factors that skin cancer presents will want to take caution in their life to avoid getting skin cancer. There are many ways a person can prevent skin cancer from ever occurring in their everyday life. You are avoiding medical bills and emotional stress by preventing skin cancer from ever beginning. Most skin cancers are easily prevented, and the measures that need to be taken are actually quite easy. Making small lifestyle changes is a much better option than getting skin cancer. Below are just five of the many simple ways a person can prevent skin cancer from every occurring in their body.

1.) Always Wear Sunscreen

Even when the clouds are out, or the temperature is cold, it is important to wear sunscreen. Sunscreen can keep out some of the harmful UV radiation that can lead to melanoma. You should be using a sunscreen of at least SPF 15. You should be reapplying sunscreen every two hours, and even more often if you are swimming or sweating. Do not forget to put sunscreen on your lips, scalp, tips of the ears and the backs of your hands.

2.) Do Not Go To Tanning Beds

No matter how much you feel you need to have the bronze glow, you should not go to a tanning bed. They are literally a cancer bed. They have harmful UV rays that can increase your risk of cancer. You can use a lotion that bronzes the skin, but tanning beds and even lying out in the sun without protection is not worth it for a tan that will only last for a little while.

3.) Avoid The Sun During The Middle Of The Day

Around 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. is when the sun’s rays are at its strongest, at least in North America. This is even true when the sky is cloudy or it is winter time. You should try to schedule any outdoor activities for earlier in the morning to later in the evening to avoid these harmful UV rays.

4.) Wear Protective Clothing

Even if you are wearing sunscreen throughout the day, wearing clothing that protects your skin from harmful UV rays will only further prevent the development of skin cancer. You should wear dark clothing that is tightly woven and that covers your arms and your legs. You should also be wearing sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.

5.) Always Check With Your Doctor

Checking in with your doctor is especially important for people who are prone to skin cancer because of different risk factors. You should examine your skin for any changes in your skin, like growths, changes in existing moles, freckles and bumps. You should use mirrors to help examine your whole body in order to get a better look at places you may have missed. Let your doctor know of any places that you are concerned about, and always go to your doctor if anything changes. This will help you catch any cancer at its inception, making sure that complications will not arise.