Preventing Skin Cancer

Preventing Skin Cancer

The Skin Cancer Foundation recently supported a study that determined that sun-protective practices could prevent over 90 percent of skin cancers. Here are some of the Foundation's tips to prevent skin cancer:

• If you're bald, be sure to cover your head. Even if you aren't, wear a broad-brimmed hat to shade your head and neck.
• Adapt to your environment -- sun exposure in high altitude, equatorial locales is far more dangerous than in low-altitude northern locales.
• Stay out of the sun as much as possible between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Cover your skin with protective clothing -- and remember that not all clothing blocks sun equally. A plain white T-shirt is equal only to SPF 5. If you have sensitive skin, consider buying clothing and coverups made of fabric designed to block the sun's harmful rays.
• Beware of cloudy skies. The sun can penetrate light clouds, fog, drizzle, and haze.
• Remember that sand and concrete reflect as much as 80 percent of the sun's dangerous rays.
• Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 liberally and often -- every two hours when you're working, playing, swimming, or exercising outdoors. Liberally means just that -- one ounce is about right to cover all exposed skin for an average sized adult. It may seem like a lot, but your skin is worth the expense.
• Forget tanning salons. The ultraviolet rays can cause sunburn and premature skin aging and may increase the risk of skin cancer.
• Don't forget your eyes and lips. Use sun-blocking lip balm, and always wear proper eye protection in the sun. Be sure your sunglasses block UVA and UVB rays.