Take Steps to Protect Yourself from Melanoma
With summer upon us, it’s an important time to talk about protecting your skin from melanoma, the fastest growing cancer in the world.
Despite some relatively simple steps that can be taken for protection, the American Cancer Society predicts close to 9,500 people will die in the U.S. from melanoma this year alone.
The leading cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or other artificial sources.
Here are some preventive measures you can take to fight the risks of excessive sun exposure:
- Choose a sunscreen that has a protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Apply sunscreen every couple of hours if you are spending the day outside. According to experts, “waterproof” sunscreen does not really exist, so you should reapply sunscreen after swimming.
- Wear a hat to keep the sun out of your face and eyes and keep your skin covered when you are in direct sunlight.
- Be wary of spending time outdoors between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m since that is when the sun’s UV rays are strongest.
It’s critical to detect signs of melanoma early. Visit a dermatologist once a year for a checkup and check your skin regularly for any changes or growths.