Decreasing your risk of skin cancer
While cancer is a disease that we cannot fully anticipate, there are some risk factors that weigh into a chance of a person developing skin cancer. Monitoring of the general patterns of the population’s skin cancer development has lead to a more accurate means of discovering a person’s risk. While some people with many risk factors will never develop the disease, it is helpful to know the chance that you stand.
Skin cancer represents the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States, and the number of skin cancer diagnoses increases by the year. While the number of deaths caused by skin cancer is low, it is important to treat the disease early to avoid complications. Almost 100% of all skin cancer cases are curable if treated in an early stage.
The main reason that people get skin cancer is excessive exposure of ultra-violet rays to the skin. Ostensibly, excessive exposure to the sun’s rays is the main factor that can cause the disease to develop. However, with the advent of tanning beds and sun lamps, a new risk is formed by those who wish to have a tanned appearance. The greatest risk of skin cancer is faced by those who have a light complexion and often get freckles. Usually, this is a risk factor for those with red hair or blonde hair. Skin cancer is most often diagnosed after age 50, but the damage that ultra-violet rays does to your body begins at an early age, so it is important to keep your tan in moderation. When you are going to the beach, it is important that you wear sun screen. Choose a wide-spectrum sun screen with a high SPF value to ensure that your body is getting the protection that it needs. If you’ve been out for a long time and the sun screen begins to wear off, it is important to reapply. Also, studies have shown that the sun’s rays are most dangerous between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, so avoid these times for catching rays if at all possible. Another recommendation for those who are outside often is to wear clothes that provide protection from the sun. A tight weaving pattern, loose-fitting clothes, and dark colors are all aspects of proper clothing to wear when trying to avoid UV damage.
In addition to the risks represented by exposure to the sun and complexion type, it is also important to research whether or not skin cancer has occurred in members of your family. A full 1 in 10 patients that are diagnosed with skin cancer also have a close relative who was diagnosed with the disease.
While following these risk-decreasing habits, it is also important to ensure that you regularly check your body for the possibility of skin cancer. At least every three months, you should fully examine your body and note all differences in your skin’s appearance. The extended growth of moles, and bumps and interruptions in your skin can be cause for concern when it comes to this disease.
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