Skin Cancer #9 – 10 Tips for Preventing Skin Cancer
Dr. Hadley King
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Dermatologist – Skin Cancer Specialist
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer but most cases can be prevented. Here are 10 tips to keep you safe in the sun.
More than one million Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. And the number is growing. Avoid being one of them with these smart sun tips.
1. Because 90% of skin cancers are directly related to exposure to the sun, the best way to stay safe is to avoid spending time outdoors during the most intense hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2. Do not think that because you are tan inside you are safe from cancer. Ultraviolet radiation can be even more dangerous when it comes from a tanning parlor. Remember, any tan is your skin’s response to damaging rays.
3. Of course, there are times when exposure to sunlight can not be avoided, that is why it is absolutely essential to wear a sunscreen every single day even when it is cloudy. Not all sun screens are created equal. The sun has two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB. UVB rays are the culprit behind sunburn while UVA rays which penetrate more deeply are associated with long term changes by crinkling.
4. For the best protection, pick a sunscreen that blocks both types of ultraviolet rays. The Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval can help you choose a highly effective brand.
5. Get the most out of your sunscreen by choosing one with a sun protection factor of SPF or 30 or higher. An SPF of 15 blocks 93% of the sun’s rays while an SPF of 50 stops 99%.
6. Selecting the right sunscreen is only the first step. To get the full SPF, you must apply enough of it. Use one ounce of sunscreen or a shot glassful. Most people apply half of that which means the actual SPF in the body is lower than advertised.
7. Apply sunscreen correctly. Cover your entire body 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin and reapply every two hours.
8. Give sunscreen some help by including accessories that block UV rays. A broad brimmed hat and wrap around sunglasses protect the often exposed skin around the eyes, ears, face, and neck. Generally light colored fabrics do not offer much protection from the sun. A white t-shirt provides an average SPF of seven, while along sleeved thick denim shirt has an SPF of 1700.
9. The easiest way how to test how well a clothing can protect your skin is to hold it up to the light. If you can see through the fabric, UV radiation can penetrate it and reach your skin.
10. Be aware of your family’s medical history. If your sibling, parent, or child has had melanoma, you are in a melanoma prone family and are 50% more likely to develop the disease. Getting checked regularly by a dermatologist is as especially important for you.
Engaging in these behaviors can help fend off the harmful effects of the suns rays and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
Want to learn more? Check out other videos and sources on this site for more information.
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