Download 9 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

9 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
1. Reduce Sun Exposure
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Especially between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest or when UV
index is 3 or more.
2. Shade your Skin
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Seek shade under trees, or create your own shade with a hat, shirt, or umbrella.
Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs. Make sure the fabric has a tight weave. Fabric
that is wet or has a loose weave will allow more light to penetrate through to the skin.
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Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
3. Beware of clouds
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Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog. You can still get a
sunburn on a cloudy day.
4. Remember about Reflection
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Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s damaging rays.
5. Slop on the Sunscreen
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Use sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or more that contain both UVA and UVB protection.
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Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours (more
often when working, playing, or swimming).
6. Avoid tanning salons and sunlamps
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These lights emit mostly UVA radiation – up to 2 – 5 times as much as natural sunlight.
UVA radiation causes sunburn, premature aging of the skin and skin cancer.
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The UVB radiation from tanning lights is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer and
also contributes to premature skin aging.
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For more information see youth tanning (link to being modified by the school team)
7. Protect Children
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The most harmful effects of sun exposure occur during early childhood. Keep babies under
1 year out of direct sunlight. Once infants turn 6 months of age, begin using a sunscreen
for added protection. It’s important to protect your child’s eyes by using plastic lens
sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB rays.
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Children should have arms and legs covered when out in the sun.
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Instead of wearing baseball caps, they should wear hats with a wide brim, which provides
more sun protection.
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When children are playing in the water, make sure to use waterproof sunscreen.
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For more information for protecting your child from the sun click here.
8. Protect your Eyes
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Radiation from the sun can damage cells in the structures of your eyes. UV radiation from
the sun may increase the risk of developing cataracts later in life. UV radiation can also
contribute to the development of skin cancer on the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.
This damage can be prevented by protecting your eyes with sunglasses that protect against
100% UVA and UVB rays. Wearing a hat with a wide brim all the way around when out in
the sun. Legionnaire style caps (caps with a flap a back flap) are also recommended to help
protect the neck, ears and face.
9. Spot Check Your Moles
Examine your moles and freckles every month to check for any changes. See your health care
provider immediately if you notice:
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a mole or discolouration that appears suddenly or begins to change
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a sore that does not heal
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areas of skin that are red and bumpy, bleed or are itchy
The Truth About a “Base Tan”
Source: Skin Cancer Foundation
(May 23, 2012) – Those tempted to kick off summer by
getting a “base tan” should be aware that there is no such
thing as a safe, healthy or protective tan. The misconception
that a base tan will protect the skin is dangerous; even for
those who never burn, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV)
radiation can lead to skin aging (including wrinkles, lines and
age spots) as well as skin cancer. In fact, about 65 percent of
melanomas and 90 percent of nonmelanoma skin cancers are
associated with sun exposure.
“Whether obtained by lying out in the sun or using a tanning
bed, a tan damages your skin,” says Perry Robins, MD,
President of The Skin Cancer Foundation. “A tan is the body's
response to damaged DNA in the skin cells — the skin
darkens in order to prevent more damage but the person's risk of skin cancer is already
increased.”
Since sunburns are also associated with higher risks of skin cancer, especially melanoma
(the most dangerous form of skin cancer), it’s important to avoid both tans and sunburns.
This summer and all year long, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the following
skin cancer prevention strategies:
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Seek the shade, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.
Do not burn.
Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking
sunglasses.
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.
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.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the
age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See your doctor every year for a professional skin exam
Skin Cancer At A Glance
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There are three main types of skin cancer: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell
carcinoma (the nonmelanoma skin cancers), and melanoma.
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Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans.
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Ultraviolet light, which is in sunlight, is the main cause of skin cancer.
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The most common warning sign of skin cancer is a change in the appearance of the
skin, such as a new growth or a sore that will not heal. Unexplained changes in the
appearance of the skin lasting longer than two weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.
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Nonmelanoma skin cancer is generally curable. The cure rate for nonmelanoma skin
cancer could be 100% if these lesions were brought to a doctor's attention before they
had a chance to spread.
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Treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancer depends on the type and location of the skin
cancer, the risk of scarring, as well as the age and health of the patient. Methods used
include curettage and desiccation, surgical excision, cryosurgery, radiation, and Mohs
micrographic surgery.
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Avoiding sun exposure in susceptible individuals is the best way to lower the risk for
all types of skin cancer. Regular surveillance of susceptible individuals, both by selfexamination and regular physical examination, is also a good idea for people at higher
risk. People who have already had any form of skin cancer should have regular medical
checkups
Source: MedicineNet.com