How to Reduce Your Skin Cancer Risk
Summer is on the horizon, which means warmer days and increased exposure to sunlight. Although the summer season is widely associated with a prominent time to lather on the SPF and protect your skin from the sun, practicing sun safety is an important step to take year-round. This Skin Cancer Awareness Month is an important reminder that skin cancer can be prevented. The skin is your body’s largest organ and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Discover the steps you can take to protect your skin from the sun and reduce your skin cancer risk.
Reduce Your Risk
- Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on your face and other areas of the body that will be exposed to the sun daily. Ensure it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
- A good rule of thumb is to limit your time in the sun between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM when the sun's rays are the harshest.
- When outside, try to stay in a shaded area to limit your sun exposure
- Reapply SPF every two hours
- Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs
- Wear a wide-brim hat
- Wear sunglasses that offer UVA and UVB protection. Sunglasses protect your eyes and the area around the eyes.
- Avoid tanning beds
Checking your skin regularly and receiving annual self-exams from your dermatologist is also essential to monitor it for any signs of skin cancer. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice any abnormalities, new spots, or anything that just doesn’t look right.
Sources:
CDC: What Can I Do to Reduce My Risk of Skin Cancer?
Cancer.Net: 10 Tips for Protecting Your Skin from the Sun