What Are the Best Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer
The American Academy of Dermatology Association reported that in the U.S., 9500 new cases of skin cancer are reported. This means that more than 76,000 cases of skin cancer are reported annually in the United States. A report that is even more worrying than this is that more than 10,000 deaths result from skin cancer. Such statistics call for the need for skin cancer prevention strategies.
Cancer remains one of the biggest healthcare threats that humanity faces to date. Skin cancer is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. This means that the solution to preventing the problem entails using the best approaches to limit coming into contact with the harmful rays. Follow the below tips to protect yourself from UV rays and prevent skin cancer.
Practice Sun Safety
If you live within an area with a UV index of 3 or higher, you should practice sun safety, limiting exposure to harmful rays. The CDC recommends several ways to achieve this goal.
- During sunny days, stay in the shade as much as possible.
- Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
- Wear a hat to cover your head area.
- Wear sunglasses to block the rays from your eyes.
Avoid the Mid-Day Sun
Although the sun is vital for health, it can become problematic at higher intensities. Experts suggest that people who live in areas that receive high-intensity sunlight should avoid getting exposed to the sun’s rays between 10.00 a.m. and 4 p.m. In most parts of North America, these are the peak hours of sun strength. Getting in contact with sun rays at this time means more exposure to UV rays, which can lead to skin cancer.
Wear Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen can also help prevent screen cancer, as it helps block harmful UV rays from entering the skin. Understanding why sunscreens are necessary is important to know how they work. First, there are two types of UV rays:
- UVA (Ultraviolet A): Penetrates deep into skin tissue and can cause long-term damage.
- UVB (Ultraviolet B): Affects the skin’s surface and is associated with sunburns.
Sunscreens contain organic compounds that absorb UV radiation and convert it to heat, which is then released from the skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are common ingredients that help block the rays. The next time you shop for sunscreen, check out if it has these ingredients.
Use Sun-Protective Clothing
Healthcare experts recommend wearing sun-protective clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor of 50+. Such clothing is necessary as it helps block 98% of sun rays, guaranteeing the least skin cancer risks. As sunscreens do not block out all the sun rays, sun-protective clothing helps you achieve better protective outcomes. Some of these protective clothing include:
- Long-Sleeved Shirts: Dressing in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts offer better protection against UV rays.
- Pants and Trousers: Lightweight pants and trousers also help reduce contact with harmful UV rays, leading to protection against UV rays.
- Sunglasses: Wearing sunglasses with UV-blocking lenses helps minimize contact with harmful UV radiation.
- UV-Protective Accessories: Using such accessories as scarves, gloves, and arm sleeves made using UV-protective fabric can help realize the best outcomes.
- UV-Umbrellas: UV blocker umbrellas are designed to provide ultimate protection from sun rays. These stylish accessories have been proven to block 99% of UV radiation. They are also developed using RPET fabric made from post-consumer waste.
These tips have been tried and tested, guaranteeing the best results in preventing skin cancer. You should never forget that our medicine has not advanced to the level of treating cancer, which makes prevention the best solution. While enjoying the summer sun, always protect yourself from UV radiation and take the recommended measures to safeguard your health.
