How to prevent skin cancer

Among all cancers, the skin cancers will show relatively less fatalities and as it can be detected early by being vigilant, the illness can be prevented or even cured in plenty of such instances. But, if it remains undetected, it can metastasize to other organs of the body and cause fatal outcomes.

Certain factors such as fair skin, light coloured eyes, blonde hair, relatives history of skin cancer, increase presence of moles and freckles in the skin, easy susceptibility to sun burn as well as using artificial sun lamps along with prolonged exposure to direct sun light are thought to make a person more susceptible than others in contracting a skin cancer.

When thinking about the preventative methods for skin cancers, following options are effective to a sure extent if they are implemented fully.

Researchers have identified sure factors which can influence the development of a skin cancer in otherwise normal individuals and among these UV light plays an important part. Out of the light spectrum, UVA and UVB have shown more association with skin cancer and UVB seems to be a more serious culprit than UVA.

1. Avoid direct exposure to sun light.

The researchers are emphasizing the require to keep away from direct sun rays during 9 am to 4 pm as this being the time period which gives away the strongest UV rays. It should also be recalled that presence of clouds in the sky is not a barrier for the UV rays and at least 80% of the rays will reach the earth surface even in cloudy conditions.

2. Wear protective clothing and hats while being exposed to direct sun light

It is stated that tightly woven cloths which are long sleeved will serve this purpose. The hats should ideally cover the areas in the neck as well as the face and thus the appropriate design would be a hat with a larger surrounding brim.

3. Apply sun screen or sun balm

The applications should take place at least half an hour before exposing to direct light as well as every 2 hours while you are under direct sun light.

It should also be recalled that even the swimmers are not spared from these UV rays as it can penetrate the water at least up to 1 - 2 feet from the surface.

4. Re-apply sun screen after taking a swim

Acute alter in its size, alter in its appearance as well as the colour would indicate changed taking place in the site and this could well be the initiation of a cancer system. Thus, a person needs to be vigilant regarding his moles and freckles and any abnormalities detected should be verified through a clinician.

5. Keep a close eye on moles and freckles

These sun lamps will give away harmful UV rays in a proportion over the natural sun light. Thus, avoiding tanners and salons which use Sun lamps would prevent the occurrence of a skin cancer to a sure level.

6. Avoid using artificial sun lamps