Unlike many type of cancer, skin cancer can be prevented. In fact, nearly 90% of skin cancers could be prevented by simply protecting the skin from ultraviolet rays. The following steps can help you prevent all types of skin cancer:
- Avoid tanning beds – tanning beds degage UVA rays that can penetrate into your skin and causes precancerous skin lesions, which can turn into cancer. Avoid them as long as you can.
- Regular medical visit – If you have been treated with melanoma, it is recommended that you see your doctor every six months for two years and then annually. These preventive measures are needed to detect a recurrence of the disease.
- Check your skin regularly – it is important to regularly check your skin to detect skin changes or changes in your moles. This is even more important if you have been diagnosed with melanoma.
- Avoid sun exposure – prolonged exposure to sunlight is the main risk factor for melanoma and therefore avoid them should be your first step in preventing skin cancer. In general, it is good to:
- a)avoid sunbathing
- b)wear protective clothing and a hat when you walk under the sun
- c)avoid sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm
- d)Apply a protective sunscreen (20 index, at least) – renew it every two hours and after swimming.