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Skin Cancer Prevention

Posted: February 23rd 2009 By editor1         under: Cancer, Skin Cancer     Tags: , , , ,

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.

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Symptoms of Skin Cancer

It’s a common thinking about skin cancer that it appears on the sun exposed areas of the skin, like face, scalp, lips, ears, neck, chest, arms and hands. But a lot of cases are reported with skin cancer, on the skin parts which are rarely exposed to the sun, palms, beneath finger nails, spaces between the toes or under the toe nails, and genital area. Moreover, skin complexion may very in case to case.

The appearance of symptoms depends on the type of skin cancer. In some types, it gradually developed and slowly showed itself while in other it can be appeared suddenly.

The symptoms, according to the type of skin cancer, have been mentioned as below;

Basal Cell Carcinoma

The most common type that does not metastasize is Basal Cell Carcinoma. It showed up itself in one of the of following symptoms;

  • A translucent or waxy bump on the face, ears or neck
  • Appearance of flat and scar like lesions, having brown or flesh like color, on the chest and back
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