Prevention is better than cure

Most types of skin cancer can be prevented if the risk factors and causes of skin cancer are taken seriously. However, there are some prevention tips to get maximum protection against developing skin cancer.

Avoid Long and Direct Sun Exposure

Exposure to the high intensity Ultraviolet rays of the sun because these are the key trigger of causing skin damages which lead towards skin cancer. These rays are on their maximum when the sun is on the peak especially from 10 am to 4 pm. It is a misconception that only long term exposure is harmful for the skin, short and non-regular contact with the intense sunlight may also increase the risk of skin cancer.

Hide the Sun Exposed Areas with Sunscreen

It is recommended that whenever go outside, apply sunscreens on the exposed parts of your body. Though sunscreens do not stop all the harmful UV radiation, they are a key factor of prevention from skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen, with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, and having ingredients which have a better blocking capacity for UV rays, is highly recommended round the year. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before going outside and reapplied after every two hours. After swimming and exercising, it should be used again. The usage of sunscreens must be taught to the children from childhood so that they can be prevented from sunburns or skin damages that can be resulted in skin cancer in the later stages of life.

Put on Protective Clothing

It has been proved that sunscreens act as a partial shield against UV rays. So, the measures should be taken which provide maximum protection from intense sunlight. These can include tightly woven clothes, which cover the maximum parts of your body, broad- brimmed hat and last but not the least sunglasses .UV-protecting clothing and sunglasses can be used after consulting a dermatologist. While dealing with pesticides or other arsenic compounds, thick clothing must be used to avoid their deadly effects.

Keep Yourself Away from Tanning Agents

Tanning saloons, tanning beds and tan-accelerating agents must be steered clear of because the lamps in tanning saloon and tanning beds emit UVA radiation that penetrates deeper in the skin as compared to UVB, and can cause precancerous abrasions.

Be Conscious of Sun Sensitizing Medications

Some medications have increased the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. This may include the commonly taken drugs like antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as tablets contain ibuprofen, birth control pills, medications used in diabetes, and some acne medicines. So a doctor or pharmacist should be asked about the side effects of any medications. If any medication increases the sensitivity of skin to sunlight, extra precautions should be taken.

Avoid Unnecessary Exposure to Radiation

Repeated exposure to X-rays, chemotherapy or radio therapy may become a risk factor to develop skin cancer.

Stay Away from Chemical Pollution

The by-products of oil or coal like pitch or soot, and those which produced in the consequences of burning of oil or coal should be avoided. Because they can, badly damage the upper layer of your skin.

Examine your Body and Report Changes to Your Dermatologist

Check your body regularly and check the specific areas which are more likely to develop skin cancer. To know about the symptoms of skin cancer will help you to find out the changes on your skin. If you notice anyone of these symptoms, immediately inform your dermatologist in order to detect the nature of skin cancer, and adopt the appropriate treatment, out of different skin cancer treatments.

Helping Guide to Self Examination

An A-B-C-D-E skin self examination guide is adapted from the American Academy of Dermatology, to detect all types and causes of skin cancer.

• A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
• B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders — the characteristics of melanomas.
• C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have many colors or an uneven distribution of color.
• D is for diameter. Look for growths or lesions that are larger than about 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters).
• E is for evolving. Notice the changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape. Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as new itchiness or bleeding.

Skin cancer often invades the parts of skin, without pain, where they are not noticed during bath or changing clothes. Hence self-examination should be conducted once in a month and a dermatologist must be visited once in a year. It is also important to remember that the people above 40 are at greater risk than young people to develop skin cancer, so they should go to their doctor at least thrice a year.