Skip the Sun and Save Your Skin at the Same Time

Preventing skin cancer, a serious disease that can be life-threatening, takes knowledge. Which of the following can help you avoid the risks?

(A) Trying to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when it’s strongest.

(B) Using sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15. Reapplying it every three to five hours; if you’ve been active, reapplying more often. Sunscreen should protect you from ultraviolet A and B rays.

(C) Wearing a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, ears and scalp.

(D) Heading for shade or creating your own--using an umbrella, for instance.

If you answered all of the above, you’d be right, and well on your way to protecting yourself from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays.

Who’s at risk for skin cancer? We all are, but some of us are more at risk than others. They include those who have fair skin, light-colored hair or light-colored eyes; many moles; a family history of skin cancer; and a weakened immune system.

There are different kinds of skin cancer, which most often appears on sun-exposed parts of the body. However, the disease can form on any area of the skin. Types you should be aware of include:

* Basal skin cancer, the most common skin cancer. Its waxy, pearly, scaly or scar-like lesions often form on the face, ears, neck, trunk or arms.

* Squamous cell cancer, seen as firm, red bumps or flat, scaly, crusty growths. Lesions often appear on the face, ears, neck, hands or arms. Bowen’s disease is an early stage of squamous cell cancer.

* Melanoma, the most dangerous skin cancer. Its lesions may be mixed in color and have poorly defined borders.

* Paget’s disease, a less common skin cancer. Lesions appear on only one breast, or they may form on the armpits or genitals.

Monitor your skin for changes. If a mark or growth bleeds, itches, causes pain or changes in color, shape or size, call your doctor. The change may not be cancerous (most aren’t), but only your doctor can diagnose a problem.

Source: StayWell Co.