How Can I Prevent the Recurrence of Skin Cancer is a post from: Skin Cancer Information

One of the most frustrating aspects of suffering of skin cancer is that once you’ve been diagnosed and successfully treated, chances are that you will remain at an elevated risk of contracting skin cancer throughout your life. At its root, skin cancer is caused by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Skin cancer, however, can also be caused by an artificial source such as tanning booths, sunlamps, and other artificial sun machines.

Who is most likely to suffer from skin cancer in the first place? The truth is that almost anyone can suffer from skin cancer. Every year there is an increase in the instance of skin cancer cases reported in the United States. Most health professionals speculate that this increase is associated with our increase in outdoor recreational activities, and the pursuit of the perfect tan. Some scientists also believe that the increase in reported cases of skin cancer can be attributed to the thinning of the atmosphere due to global warning. Whatever the case, the fact is that skin cancer is here and it poses a threat to a growing segment of the population.

Even though we are all at risk of developing some kind of skin cancer, some of us are at greater risk than others. If you take part in certain activities or have certain physical characteristics, you may be at greater risk for skin cancer. Individuals with light, fair skin are more at risk than people with darker complexions. If you tend to burn or freckle easily, you may be at higher risk.

If you have sensitive skin, and have hair and eyes that are light-colored, you may be at a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Also, if you have several moles, freckles, or notice any change or discoloration in your skin markings, you should take extra precaution in the sun. Other variables that affect your skin cancer risk quotient include the amount of time you spend outdoors during the day, and what type of altitude you live in. If you live in a higher altitude, and reside close to the equator, you have a higher risk of developing skin cancer. Also, if a history of skin cancer runs in your family, you may also have a higher skin cancer risk quotient.

If you someday become diagnosed with skin cancer and survive, one of the most worrisome issues you will face will be preventing a recurrence of the cancer. After successful treatment, your doctor will continue to schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure that you remain skin cancer-free. Even regular medical attention is no substitute for exercising good skin care habits.

First, make sure to avoid any kind of prolonged exposure to the sun. This means that you should avoid the prime daylight hours of ten in the morning to two in the afternoon. If you must be out, always wear an appropriate sun block, and avoid direct exposure to the sun by wearing long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and light colors that help reflect the sun away from your body.

Most importantly, to prevent a recurrence of skin cancer, you must conduct regular self-examinations, and consult your doctor immediately if you note any discolorations or suspicious moles or lesions.

Preventing skin cancer

Although skin cancer typically happens to Caucasians, those that work outside, smokers and people with a family history of skin cancer, everybody is at risk these days as the statistics show. Skin cancer instances have doubled every 10 years over the last 40 years and we need to take action to prevent it from happening to us.

2 of the types of skin cancers are very lethal if left too late and it is therefore essential to follow the tips that I am about to provide you with, that I have in part sourced from the worlds largest healthcare organization. (NHS Direct Online)

Essentially, the best way to protect your self from skin cancer is to take care in the sun is to take preventative action and make sure you don’t burn your skin. Once you have been burnt the damage has already been done so make sure to cover up with loose fitting clothes.

Also, make sure to cover your legs and arms if it is at all possible. Heat stroke can be avoided if you again use loose fitting clothes and drink lots and lots of water to replace what you lose.

Remember that tightly woven fabrics will provide the best protection from the sun. you should also avoid direct sunlight during the mid day sun from 11am to 3pm as this is when the sun is at it’s strongest. If you must go outside between these times then make sure to cover-up with clothes, hat and sunglasses and apply plenty of sunscreen.

Always use a sun protection lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15, although very fair-skinned people, children and people living in exposed areas of the world need to use lotions with an SPF of up to 40.

Make sure that your entire body is covered by sun protection lotion with sun protection factor above 15. An absolute minimum to cover up is your face, hands, feet and neck but you should also consider using it all over as the most vulnerable parts of your body are the places that are not usually exposed to sunlight.

You also need to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going out in the sun and then apply it every couple of hours, as sweat and friction against towels for example will cause it to wear off. Also reapply immediately after swimming, even if your lotion says it is of a waterproof variety.

I would suggest that you also consider wearing waterproof sun protection when you are out swimming. UVA and UVB rays can penetrate through 2 feet of water. You should also remember that clouds and fog do not stop the ultraviolet rays from penetrating and getting to your skin – that’s the job of the ozone layer (which we incidentally are killing off).

Finally, I would suggest that you cover up with clothing and use SPF 15 sun lotion even on cloudy days and always wear a hat and sunglasses that have UVA and UVB filters when in the sun. And if you want a final reminder about the dangers of sunlight, remember that ultraviolet rays can damage the retinas in your eyes causing cataracts.