7 Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing Skin Cancer

This guide includes some tips on how to protect yourself from skin cancer. It also includes information about risk factors, signs of skin cancer, and the importance of prevention.

Man with brown skin

Skin cancer isn’t just a problem for people with fair skin or any other specific group. Anyone can develop skin cancer and it is important to take precautions to protect yourself against this disease.

Skin cancer can be caused by the sun, tanning beds, ultraviolet light, and even indoor lights that are too bright. It's important to be aware of the risk factors and how to protect yourself from skin cancer.

The best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid exposure to the sun during peak hours in the late morning or early afternoon when you have less than a 6-hour window for UV rays because this will give you enough time for your body to produce melanin. It is also important that you wear sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every day.

Another way to protect yourself is by using a hat that protects your face from the sun's harmful rays. You should also avoid tanning beds because they expose your skin twice as much as sunlight does because they emit both UVA and UVB rays. (UVA radiation makes up 95% of the all the UV rays that make it to the Earth’s surface and penetrates the skin deeply. UVB does not penetrate as deeply as UVA, but it can wreak havoc on the top layers of the skin.)

What is Skin Cancer? Signs and Symptoms.

Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells. It can be benign or malignant and the signs and symptoms will vary depending on the type.

Skin cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. There are also some natural remedies for skin cancer that may be more effective for certain types of treatment.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, so it is important to know how to reduce your risk. These are 7 ways you can fight against the risks of developing skin cancer.

 

Man wearing necklace backwards

1- Wear sunglasses and hats outdoors

The sun is powerful and can cause irreversible damage to your eyes if you're not careful. It's important to protect yourself and those around you from sun-related blindness. That's why it's important to wear sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen when going outdoors.

2- Get enough sleep every day

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your body. There are many benefits from getting a good night's rest, including improved mood, better concentration, increased productivity, and reduced risk of illness. As a result, many companies are now promoting the importance of sleep to their employees as well as providing free or subsidized sleep pods in offices.

3- Avoid tanning beds, sun lamps, or sun exposure for long periods

A tan is considered the result of sun exposure and is a sign that your skin has been unprotected from UV radiation. As a result, you should avoid long-term tanning bed exposure or any other form of UV radiation for that matter. The dangers of long-term ultraviolet exposure are known to increase the risk for skin cancer and early aging. Always seek shade between 10 am and 4 pm.

4- Use sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher every day

Sunscreen is a must-have for anyone who is spending time outside. It's great for your skin, but it can also save you from potentially dangerous diseases and chronic ailments.

5- Eat healthy and Live a healthy lifestyle

Eating and living a healthy lifestyle is a challenge for many people. With so many temptations surrounding us, it's easy to fall into old habits. But with the right guidance, you can learn to make healthy choices and lead a healthier life. Living and eating right will help you prevent all kinds of diseases.

 Healthy Salmon

6- Be active and maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining an active lifestyle is essential. By working out, you can build muscle which will help you burn more calories and lose weight. If you lack motivation or feel like your diet isn't going well, then look into getting professional help from a  trainer.

It is also recommended to maintain a healthy weight by exercising at least 30 minutes daily.

Finding the time can be complex, but with enough determination, you can do it.

7- Get regular medical checkups

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. It can be treated if caught early enough, but it's vital that you are proactive about getting regular checkups. Be sure that you check in with your dermatologist, should you have found any skin changes that are concerning.

Medical checkup

Dermatologist Treatment Options for skin cancer

No matter how much you practice sun safety, you could still get skin cancer. Get in front of your dermatologist as soon as possible if you notice and tumors, discoloration or tenderness.

When it comes to treating skin cancer, there are different treatments recommended by dermatologists. In the case of melanoma, for example, your dermatologist may recommend surgery to remove the tumor and any surrounding tissue. This is a very common and simple procedure.

Make sure you always wear sunscreen on your face and body every day. If you’re outdoors all day or not used to wearing sunscreen, use sun-protection clothing instead. Watch out for changes in the color of your skin – if it becomes mottled or uneven, visit your doctor as soon as possible. Do not skip annual checkups – this is important.

Even if you follow everything and do everything right, you can still fall victim to skin cancer. Always be alert and check your skin for anything unusual. Finding skin cancer, similar to other cancers, early can lead to a better outcome overall.