A Comprehensive Guide on How to Avoid Skin Cancer

Skin is the outermost covering of the body. People immediately show concern when they see anything unusual on it. And they must be so, as it can be a life-threatening medical condition. According to the American Cancer Society, over 5.4 million cases of skin cancer are screened annually in the United States. A massive count of affected people is a huge concern.

Considering how hazardous it can be, people must follow some proven ways to reduce its risks and, hence, protect their skin. This comprehensive guide will help you understand how to do so.

How Do You Avoid Skin Cancer?

For sure, screening is necessary to eliminate the possibility of this life-threatening disease. In addition, multiple concerns are associated with it. Let’s find them, understand the associated risks, and discover solutions.

1. Understand the risks and types of skin cancer.

Prevention may not be the only way to cure it, but it can be a lifesaver. So, you must understand what types of skin cancers are and how they risk your life.

Types of Skin Cancers

• Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common of all skin cancers is this. Around 80% of cases are of this type, which can be recognised as a small and shiny bump or nodule.
• Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): The second most common type is squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Out of all, about 16% of all such cases are of this type of cancer. Typically, they emerge as a red and scaly patch, which can be an ulcer.
• Melanoma: The most hazardous of all types of skin cancer is melanoma, which accounts for only 1% of cases that cause death. It appears as a new mole or changes in an existing mole.

1. Protect yourself from UV radiation.

Ultraviolet radiation, or UV rays, is considered havoc because of its ability to cause skin cancer. Its exposure leads to photodamage to the skin, which is not cancer but a concern. So, you must understand the significance of these tips and embrace them to protect your skin.

3. Use sunscreen regularly.

• You should apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. This protection can minimise the risk of developing skin cancer by 40%, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.
• Also, you need to keep your skin shielded. So, reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.

4. Seek shade

• Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours, if you really want to get rid of photodamages. Simply put, stay away from the sun from 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening because this is the time when UV rays fall straight and are strongest.
• Additionally, you should cover your skin with an umbrella, hat, or clothing.

 

5. Wear protective clothing

• However, it is not widely popular. Try to keep your body covered with clothing that has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. For example, a dress with a UPF of 50 tends to barricade 98% of UV radiation.
• Also, prefer a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes from harmful UV rays.

 

6. Avoid tanning beds

The concept of tanning beds is extremely popular in countries like Australia, the UK, or Alaska, where the weather remains bone-chilling most of the time. But these beds are not good for your skin. They expose it to harmful UV radiation, which threatens its cancer. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared them a Group 1 carcinogen. This category defines the cause of cancer in humans. In this matter, the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that tanning beds, if used before turning 35, can increase the risk of skin melanoma by 75%. And the ultimate solution to minimise this risk is to avoid tanning beds.

 

7. Perform regular skin self-exams.

The next step is the preventive step, which is related to early detection. People should be alarmed when they see any significant changes in the skin. This early detection can make it way easier to treat it before it escalates. However, screening by a certified skin cancer specialist is a must. Simultaneously, you can also self-examine it.

Here is how:

1. Examine your skin monthly.

• Closely check your entire skin from head to toe. Also, examine hard-to-see areas like your scalp and back.
• Discover if there are any new moles forming. Or, there can be some changes in the size, shape, and colour of existing moles, which must be discovered early.

1. Use the ABCDE Rule.

As the doctors suggest, this rule implies:

• Asymmetry: Closely monitor if one half of the mole doesn’t look like the other.
• Border: Examine the edges to see if they look irregular or blurred.
• Colour: Analyse if its colour is uneven or has multiple shades.
• Diameter: Closely monitor its size if it is larger than 6 mm or about the size of a pencil eraser.
• Evolution: Discover alterations in its size, shape, and colour.

1. Consult a dermatologist.

If your self-screening shows any suspicious changes, visit a skin specialist without waiting for days. Get a professional skin screening done, and this must be a regular practice for those who have a history of such cases and sunburns.

8. Maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle.

A body can be healthy if it maintains a healthy diet and lifestyle. In the case of skin cancer, a healthy lifestyle can also keep this risk at bay. Here is how you can stay healthy:

1. Eat a balanced diet.

• Try to include fruits and vegetables full of antioxidants. They can be berries, tomatoes, and green leafy veggies. They combat the side effects of free radicals, which prevent the possibility of cancer.
• Intake foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can be fish and nuts. These nutrient-enriched foods heal inflammation and support its health.

1. Stay Hydrated

Keeping your body moist from the inside is necessary for a healthy metabolism. So, lubricate your body with an adequate amount of water and power its natural repair system.

9. Avoid Smoking

Smoking can take your life. It can also cause premature ageing signs. In this matter, the National Cancer Institute found that smokers are 40% more likely to be victimized by skin cancer as compared to non-smokers. So, staying away from this bad habit is always a healthy practice.

10. Monitor environmental factors.

Environmental factors also play a vital role in keeping your skin healthy or unhealthy.

1. Be cautious of reflective surfaces.

The hazardous UV rays can reflect off surfaces. These surfaces can be made of water, sand, or snow, which means that your skin can be exposed to this radiation. So, try to avoid excessive exposure by covering and avoiding going out or doing anything in the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

1. Check the UV index.

The UV index is helpful in discovering the strength of UV radiation. If it’s high, take precautionary measures to prevent severe consequences.

11. Consider genetic factors.

However, maladies are inevitable. And some individuals are more likely to be infected with skin cancer due to their genes.

1. Family History

Any case of this skin condition in your family is a matter of great concern. It’s alarming to discuss it with your personal healthcare provider or general practitioner. You should consult with a skin specialist who may recommend the screening of skin cancer. The frequency of this test will be high in your case.

1. Genetic Testing

For those who have seen someone suffering from melanoma in their family, genetic testing has become a necessity for them. It highlights if they are at high risk or not. Accordingly, preventive measures are suggested to them.

 

Conclusion

Skin cancer can be threatening. Considering the severity of this skin condition, doctors recommend timely screening of the skin, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding UV radiation, and tanning beds. Also, self-examination of the body is necessary to recognise it.