Protecting Yourself from Skin Cancer

Posted 2220 days ago

Coppertone

I have been to the dermatologist several times throughout my life and if it’s one thing the doc repeats, it is sunscreen.

Here are a few tips to prevent skin cancer:

  • WEAR SUNSCREEN! (at least SPF 30)
  • Keep in mind that UV rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. So, if you are going to be out in the sun, try to stay in the shade. I usually don’t have to worry about that because I am usually at the mall around that time.
  • Put those stunna shades on! Find a pair that blocks most UV rays because not all of them do. Bigger, wider lenses will protect the skin around your eyes as well as your eyes itself. If you do not wear sunglasses, UV exposure can contribute to vision loss as you get older. All along, I thought celebrities were starting a trend. They really do care about their well being! Now I have a great excuse when I buy another pair of big sunglasses!
  • Work it out! Researchers have found when you exercise and stay healthy, it strengthens your immune system and helps the body defend itself from cancer cells.

Facts

  • It takes about five sunburns to double your chances of skin cancer. One blistering burn during childhood doubles melanoma risk.
  • 33% of skin cancers occur on the nose ( You better put extra sunscreen on! )
  • 63% of Melanoma deaths could have been prevented if every one did a monthly self exam
  • 75% chance of developing melanoma if you used a tanning bed in your 20′s

So now that we are aware, let’s start taking precautions by protecting our skin and well being!

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  • http://www.avoidcancernow.com drlynne

    Nice post…and timely!

    I recommend as well, purchasing a sunscreen that covers UVA rays as well as UVB. These have been available in Europe and Canada for many years, but were only approved in the U.S. last summer. UVA rays probably explain the increased risk of melanoma in those who use tanning beds. The only sunscreen currently available that covers both is Anthelios SX (r) by L’oreal.

    Lynne Eldridge M.D.
    Author, “Avoiding Cancer One Day At A Time”
    http://www.avoidcancernow.com

  • David

    Oakley makes some pretty nasty shades, quite expensive. Saw some Prada ones, even more expensive.

  • yume

    Thanks for the advice. It’s great to see a M.D. on kineda commenting! I’ll have to look for Anthelios SX. Never seen that before.

  • drBC

    Reducing risk of melanoma is important, but even if you avoid tanning many people are at high risk. The key is to discover suspicious skin lesions at an early stage while they are nearly 100% curable. Check moles for A)symmetry, for irregular B)orders, for multiple C)olors, for a D)iameter larger than a pencil eraser and for E)volution which is an enlarging or new mole. These are the ABCDE’s for self-screening.

    It is important to keep checking for new or changing moles, particularly if you are at risk. Those that have had a melanoma removed may be cured but they are at high risk for recurrence of new melanomas. If you have a lot of moles it is very hard (impossible really) to be able to tell if new or changing ones are present though.

    DermAlert is an image comparison software program developed through funding from the National Cancer Institute that is inexpensive and lets you use your digital camera in the privacy of your own home to find changing moles over time. Then you can point out the changes to your dermatologist. You can see details and demo at http://www.dermalert.com

  • AllaN

    I agree. Sunscreen is a very important part of everyone’s lives. And you should use it as often as you brush your teeth! or even more! During 10am and 4pm, im still in school, so I dont have to worry much. And for girls, START wearing those SEXY BIG SUNGLASSES!!! so dish out some money to save your beautiful skin!

  • http://www.erapo.szm.sk Lenka

    he he he AllaN… but sexy sunglasses dont do sexy girl…

  • beni

    I wonder how a kid would respond if you tell them “One blistering burn during childhood doubles melanoma risk.” would they care? Or simply go nuts?

  • David

    The kids wouldn’t even understand that sentence though kids tend to wear sunscreen anyways.

  • Dexter Kanuto

    Kids only wear sunscreen when their parents applied it to them or when parents told them off to put sunscreen. Obviously, kids do apply it to their skin when they have outdoor activities.

    The only thing to know about sunscreen is the SPF number or “Sun Protection Factor”.

    Check this site to find out more about SPF: http://www.bccdc.org/downloads/pdf/rps/reports/RIN15.pdf

    I mostly prefer the sunscreen with the SPF number of 30+ to 90+. This is is because it gives maximum protection for both UVA and UVB rays.

    Then use SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sun_protective_clothing

    and then the sunglasses against blindness, glare and burns.

    Keep in mind to do SLIP, SLOP, SLAP ~ meaning, put on sunscreen, protective clothing and headgear and sunglasses. Enjoy the sun.

  • Dexter Kanuto

    *SLIP, SLOP, SLAP* ~ wear sunscreen with SPF 30+ to 90 for max protection, wear sun protective clothing over, and then add sunnies (aussie for sunglasses).,.,.,.

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  • nike_intercom

    ya Sunscreen should be applied every day to exposed skin, and not just if you are going to be in the sun. Promotional Sunscreen branded with your corporate logo or message is an excellent way to promote your brand at an outdoor or lifestyle event.
    Check this site to find out more about branded sunscreen-
    http://www.promotionproducts.com.au/galleries/Fun-and-Leisure/Promotional-Sunscreen/

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_TK2O6O3T7USB47OOIR76L5RXYU Prateek Panchal

    For curing skin cancer we need to prevent over heating…..Grow more trees!!!
    Skin Care Tips

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