Skin cancer: Its Causes And Prevention

People love to sunbathe, but constant exposure to the sun increases the risk of developing skin cancer, because it weakens the skin’s natural immune system. And this leads to skin cells growing abnormally.

Fair skinned people have the greatest chance of developing melanoma (the most serious type of skin cancer) because their skin contains less melanin which protects the skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Those with a family history of skin cancer are also more likely to develop melanoma. However, it can be prevented with the following measures:

Using sunscreen

It is always wise to apply sunscreen on the skin before going out even when it is not sunny because UV rays that damage the skin are always present.  A good rule to follow is, apply the lotion 30 minutes before going outside, and every few hours afterwards.

Protecting the face and eyes

This can be accomplished by using cosmetics and contact lenses with UV protection. Sunglasses with UV protection offer excellent protection for the eyes.

Avoid sun exposure during peak times of the day

Prefer staying indoor during the time slot of 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM because this is when the sun’s rays shine brightest in the sky therefore, maximizing a person’s exposure to UV rays.

Regularly performing skin exams

It is always a good idea to regularly perform skin exams and become familiar with the signs that can lead to skin cancer. This way skin cancer can be detected early, which is key to its treatment and prevention.