| Skin cancer prevention measures can actively reduce | | | | 3. Use Sunscreen Properly: You should always use |
| your chances of developing skin cancer if you | | | | sunscreen when enduring prolonged exposure in the |
| implement them in your daily routine. The most | | | | sun. Find a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of |
| common form of cancer in the United States, tens | | | | at least 15 and read the directions for proper |
| of thousands of Americans contract skin cancer | | | | application. The higher the SPF, the higher the |
| every year. | | | | protection you will receive against dangerous |
| Skin cancer comes in three forms: basal cell | | | | sunburns. However, sunscreen does not offer |
| carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and malignant | | | | "bulletproof" protection, and UV rays can penetrate |
| melanoma. Of the three, melanoma is the most | | | | water, so just because you feel "cool" in the water |
| dangerous and life threatening. Skin cancer claims the | | | | doesn't mean you're protected from sunburn. |
| lives of approximately ten thousand Americans on an | | | | 4. Use Sunglasses That Block UV Rays: Making certain |
| annual basis. | | | | your sunglasses can block UV rays helps to guard |
| What causes skin cancer? | | | | your eyes from serious sun damage. The best |
| Overexposure to ultraviolet sunlight (UV rays) is | | | | constructed sunglasses should have a UV ray |
| believed to be the dominant external factor in a | | | | absorption rate of 99% to 100%. Never assume that |
| person's development of skin cancer, although | | | | darker lenses equal increased protection. UV rays are |
| genetic factors can play a role. To protect yourself | | | | blocked by a chemical applied to the lenses. This |
| from UV rays, you should take the following 5 steps | | | | chemical has nothing to do with the color of |
| for proper skin cancer prevention: | | | | transparency of sunglass lenses. |
| 1. Avoid Direct Sun Exposure: Avoid exposing your | | | | 5. Stay Away From Tanning Beds: It is a myth to |
| skin to direct sunlight during midday (generally from | | | | believe that tanning beds and sunlamps are free of |
| 10am to 4pm). This is the time when UV rays are | | | | harmful UV rays. These cosmetic instruments might |
| most intense. Plan your schedule to avoid outdoor | | | | make your skin more attractive in the short-term, |
| activities during these hours. Also, be aware that | | | | but they can significantly increase your risk of |
| sand and snow reflect sunlight, so if you're at the | | | | developing skin cancer in the long-term. Health |
| beach or a ski resort, direct sunlight can bombard | | | | professionals advise their patients to avoid them. |
| you from every direction with UV rays. | | | | By implementing these 5 steps in your daily routine, |
| 2. Cover Yourself: When out in the sun, keep your | | | | you can significantly decrease your risk of developing |
| skin covered. Wear long-sleeves and long pants if | | | | skin cancer, while maintaining a healthy lifestyle that |
| possible. Wearing a hat with a 3 to 4 inch brim all | | | | allows for proper exposure to the sun. Another |
| around is preferable. This will guard your neck and | | | | important step in prevention of skin cancer is routine |
| cheeks from dangerous prolonged exposure. Also | | | | examination by a doctor. If skin cancer is detected |
| note that dry, dark-colored garments offer the best | | | | early, then your odds of survival are markedly |
| protection. | | | | increased. |