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Don't
Be Lulled by the Sun
Warnings about the risks of exposure
to the sun are perhaps so prevalent that they're apparently going
unheeded.
Despite widespread knowledge that
suntans and burns can increase the risk for skin cancer, a recent
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey found that
about 43 percent of white children under age 12 had been sunburned
at least once in the past year.
With skin cancers accounting for
more than half of all cancers diagnosed in the United States each
year, the warnings are not likely to let up.
The most preventable risk factor
for skin cancer is exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays,
and you don't need to become a hermit to protect yourself. Activities
such as going to the beach or taking that bike ride can be enjoyed
safely if you take a few easy precautions, says the American Academy
of Dermatology.
First and foremost, make sure to
wear a waterproof sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
of at least 15, or preferably higher if you're going to be in
stronger sun.
A good time to use that higher
SPF sunscreen would be if you're going to be out between 10 a.m.
and 4 p.m. -- the hours when the sun is strongest. If possible,
try planning activities earlier or later in the day -- cooler
temperatures may make the activities more enjoyable anyway.
Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep
the sun off your face and head, and try to stay in the shade.
Don't be fooled into believing
artificial sources of sunlight are any safer than the real thing
-- the American Cancer Society says indoor tanning is just as
bad for your skin as sunlight.
The good news about skin cancer
is that the most common forms can be treated and even cured if
detected early enough. Examine your body regularly for any unusual
moles or discoloring, and make sure to see your dermatologist
if you see anything suspicious.
More information
Find out your risk of developing
skin cancer in the American
Academy of Dermatology Skin Cancer Risk Test.
Reference
Source 102
For more information on how to prevent other diseases, use
PreventDisease.com's "Quick
Prevention Resources".
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