How to Protect Your Body from Skin Cancer?
The two most common kinds of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.
Melanoma begins in the melanocytes. Although anyone can get skin cancer, the risk is greatest for people who have fair skin that freckles easily, often those with red or blond hair and blue or light-colored eyes.
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Artificial sources of UV radiation, such as sunlamps and tanning booths, can also cause skin cancer.
The risk of developing skin cancer is affected by where a person lives. People who live in areas that get high levels of UV radiation from the sun are more likely to get skin cancer.
In addition, skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. Most skin cancers appear after age 50, but the sun’s damaging effects begin at an early age. Therefore, protection should start in childhood to prevent skin cancer later in life
Protection from sun exposure is important all year round. You need to protect yourself from excessive sun exposure.
UV rays can cause skin damage during any season or temperature.
UV rays reach you on cloudy and hazy days, as well as on bright and sunny days. UV rays will also reflect off any surface like water, cement, sand, and snow.
When possible, avoid outdoor activities during midday, when the sun’s rays are strongest.This usually means the hours between 10 AM and 4 PM.
You can also wear protective clothing such as: a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants.
For eye protection, wear wraparound sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV ray protection.
The penetration of UV rays to the skin’s inner layer results in the production of more melanin. The melanin eventually moves toward the outer layers of the skin and becomes visible as a tan.
A suntan is not an indicator of good health. Some physicians consider the skin’s tanning a response to injury because it appears after the sun’s UV rays have killed some cells and damaged others.
Sunscreens come in a variety of forms such as lotions, gels, and sprays, so there are plenty of different options. Regardless of the type of sunscreen you choose, be sure that you use one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and that it offers at least SPF 15.
Sunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers indicate more protection.
You should follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding reapplication or you risk not getting the protection that you might think you are getting.
Clothing that covers your skin protects against the sun’s UV rays.
Protecting yourself from the sun’s UV rays doesn’t have to be a major chore. It is just a matter of knowing your options and using them.
Hats can help shield your skin from the sun’s UV rays. Choose a hat that provides shade for all of your head and neck.
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure.
Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays offer the best protection.
The sun’s UV rays are strongest and do the most damage during midday, so it’s best to avoid direct exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
UV rays can reflect off virtually any surface (including sand, snow and concrete) and can reach you in the shade.
You can improve your chances of finding skin cancer by performing a simple skin self-exam regularly.
The best time to do this self-exam is after a shower or bath.
Check your your skin in a well-lighted room using a full-length mirror and a hand-held mirror.
Look at your birthmarks, moles and blemishes. Make a note of what they usually look like.
Check for any change in the size, texture, or color of a mole or a sore that does not heal.
Check all areas: your back, the scalp, between the buttocks and the genital area.
1. With your arms raised, look at the left and right sides.
2. With your elbows bent, check your: palms, forearms, include the undersides and the upper arms.
3. Check the back and front of your legs.
4. Examine your feet, including the soles and the spaces between the toes.
5. Look at your face, neck, and scalp.
By checking your skin regularly, you will become familiar with what is normal. If you find anything unusual, see your doctor right away. Remember, the earlier skin cancer is found, the better the chance for a successful treatment and cure.
Melanoma And Other Skin Cancers: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages of Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers
by: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
publisher: CreateSpace, published: 2012-03-10
price: $14.99 (new)
About this Cancer Book: This is the paperback version of the popular Revised Cancer book on Kindle, “Melanoma And Other Skin Cancers”. the popular original version titled “Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages Of Melanoma And Other Skin Cancers “, written by the: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Author), National Institute of Health (Author), National Cancer Institute (Author) and S.Smith (Editor) and (Illustrator) This book has been professionally illustrated and edited. A detailed booklet that describes Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages Of Melanoma And Other Skin Cancers, with information on getting help and coping. This booklet is also for family and friends that are looking for further understanding Melanoma And Other Skin Cancers . You will learn in this Booklet: About This Booklet The Skin Cancer Cells Types of Skin Cancer Risk Factors Symptoms of Melanoma Symptoms of Basal Cell and Squamous Cell Skin Cancers Diagnosis Staging Treatment Second Opinion Taking Part in Cancer Research Follow-up Care Prevention How To Check Your Skin Sources of Support Get your copy of “MELANOMA AND OTHER SKIN CANCERS: Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatments, Stages Of Melanoma and Other Skin Cancers” and learn everything you need to know about cancer.
Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt – A review of the latest studies on tanning and skin cancer
by: Karen Gaskell
Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed type of cancer in the U.S. Melanoma is the most serious and potentially lethal form of skin cancer. “Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt – A review of the latest studies on tanning and skin cancer” contains up-to-date research on topics such as tanning booth dangers, sunscreen rules and new skin cancer treatment options.
Only the most credible medical experts and journals including the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Archives of Dermatology were referenced when compiling “Beyond the Shadow of a Doubt – A review of the latest studies on tanning and skin cancer.”
Signs and Symptoms Of Skin Cancer
Shawn Allen, MD of Dermatology Specialists of Boulder talks about skin cancer facts, signs of skin cancer and how to protect yourself against skin cancer.
How to Identify Skin Cancer : Signs of Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer
Learn how to identify the signs of basal cell carcinoma skin cancer in this free health care video. Expert: Dr. Susan Jewell Bio: Dr. Susan Jewell is a British born educated bilingual Asian with a British accent and can speak Cantonese. Filmmaker: Susan Jewell
How to Identify Skin Cancer : Signs of Melanoma Carcinoma Skin Cancer
Learn how to recognize the signs of melanoma carcinoma skin cancer in this free health care video. Expert: Dr. Susan Jewell Bio: Dr. Susan Jewell is a British born educated bilingual Asian with a British accent and can speak Cantonese. Filmmaker: Susan Jewell