There are more frequently occurring types of skin cancer, but melanoma is the deadliest of all. Furthermore, it is becoming more common especially in countries like Australia and New Zealand which have the highest incidence of the condition in the world. The good news is that it can be prevented. Find out what the most effective methods for prevention are.
Avoid exposure to strong UV radiation.
You should seek the shade when the UV radiation produced by the sun is the strongest. This is essential for melanoma prevention. The period of the day during which this occurs varies slightly depending on the location of your country on the globe. In the US, the sun should be avoided between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. For Australia and New Zealand, the period is from 11 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon.
You must stay away from using tanning beds and lamps. They expose the skin to large amounts of UV radiation which damages the skin cells and increases the risk of skin cancer. You should understand that tanning is actually the healing response of the skin.
Wear protective clothing.
When you go outside, you need to protect your skin as much as possible. Wear a wide-brimmed hat with a brim of at least 2 inches. A baseball cap can do as well. You must wear sunglasses which provide UV protection. Despite the common misconception, melanoma can start in the eyes. You should wear a shirt, preferably with long sleeves. Choose clothing in lighter colours.
Apply sunscreen before you go outside.
You should use high-quality sunscreen from a reputable brand with SPF of 30 or higher. People who are at greater risk of skin cancer should use sunscreen with SPF of 50. You need to apply the product to all parts of your body and especially to the ones with greatest exposure to the sun like the face, ears, neck, shoulders and chest. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside and reapply it every 2 hours if you get swim or sweat a lot.
Get frequent mole checks.
Cancerous skin growths can develop anywhere on the body. They can develop in existing moles as well. That is why you should have your skin checked by a dermatologist on a regular basis. For most people, an annual check is sufficient. Those at higher risk can get more frequent checks.
Last, but not least, you should learn as much as possible about the melanoma symptoms and report any troubling signs to your doctor straight away.
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