Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in Australia. Over 2,000 Australians pass away from this disease every year. The good news is that skin cancer can often be prevented by limiting exposure to UV radiation from the sun and tanning beds. Doctors from medical clinics like skin cancer clinic sydney in the Sydney CBD have provided tips below on how people can help prevent skin cancer.
UV Radiation Is the Main Cause of Skin Cancer
UVB Rays
UVB rays are shorter wavelength rays that reach the outer layer of skin. They are the main cause of sunburns. Getting sunburned causes damage to the skin that can lead to skin cancer later in life.
UVA Rays
UVA rays have longer wavelengths that go deeper into the layers of skin. UVA rays contribute to skin ageing, wrinkling and skin cancer. They pass through glass and clouds.
Who Is at Higher Risk for Skin Cancer?
Some individuals have a higher risk of developing skin cancer than others. Factors that increase risk include:
Fair Skin
People who have fair or pale skin, light coloured eyes, and blond or red hair have less melanin pigment in their skin to protect it from UV rays. Melanin helps absorb and reflect UV radiation before it damages skin. Those with fair features reflect more UV rays.
Family History
If other members of your family have had skin cancer, you are at a greater risk of developing it as well.
Sun Exposure and Sunburns
Frequent exposure to UV radiation from the sun and a history of blistering sunburns, especially during childhood, significantly increase a person’s risk for skin cancer later in life.
Age
Most skin cancers occur in adults over 50, but sun damage happens from early childhood exposures. Take precautions throughout life.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
Doctors recommend several ways to protect yourself from skin cancer:
H3: Limit Sun Exposure
Try to avoid unnecessary time in the sun, especially between 10am and 4pm when UV rays are strongest. Plan outdoor activities for other times of the day.
Seek Shade
Stay in the shade of trees, umbrellas, canopies or other shelters as much as you can when outdoors. Shade reduces your exposure.
Wear Protective Clothing
Cover up exposed skin with long sleeve shirts, long pants or dresses, wide brimmed hats, and sunglasses. Tightly woven fabrics offer more protection from UV rays.
Apply Sunscreen
Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Apply it generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours.
Get Regular Skin Checks
Detecting skin cancer in its early stages is critical for successful treatment and survival.
Self-Exams
Check your skin monthly for any new or changing moles or spots using a mirror. Look at all areas, including your back, scalp, soles of feet, between toes, etc.
Doctor Exams
Get a professional full-body skin exam at least once a year by a dermatologist, like those at skin cancer clinic sydney cbd. Dermatologists are specially trained to recognize subtle early warning signs of skin cancer. Having them thoroughly check your skin improves the chances of detecting skin cancer in its earliest stages when it is most treatable.
Other Skin Cancer Prevention Tips
Here are a few more recommendations from doctors to reduce your risk:
Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds and lamps emit UVA and UVB rays that are proven to cause skin cancer. It’s safest to avoid them entirely.
Protect Children from the Sun
Lifelong skin damage from UV rays starts early in childhood. Keep babies in shade. Have kids wear hats, protective clothing and sunscreen.
Avoid Midday Sun
Try to plan any outdoor activities either early in the morning or later afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense.
Conclusion
Cases of skin cancer have been steadily increasing over the years, but can often be prevented by limiting UV radiation exposure from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds. Protect yourself using shade, proper clothing, sunscreen and regular skin exams. Catching skin cancer in its early treatable stages offers the best chance for survival. By following these tips from Sydney CBD clinic doctors, you can greatly lower your risk and keep your skin healthy.
FAQs
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What type of sunscreen works best for preventing skin cancer?
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- Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Be sure to reapply it every two hours when you are outdoors to maintain protection.
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What are some early warning signs of skin cancer to watch for?
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- New or changing moles, sores that do not heal, and any growths or spots that bleed, itch or crust over warrant having a doctor examine them.
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How often should I get a skin cancer screening?
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- Experts advise getting a full body professional skin exam by a dermatologist once per year. This allows them to look for early signs of skin cancer.
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Does cloudy weather fully protect me from the sun?
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- No, UV rays can still penetrate clouds and haze to damage your skin. It is important to still use sun protection like sunscreen and protective clothing even on overcast days.
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Are sunscreen sprays less effective than creams or lotions?
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- Potentially yes, if applied unevenly. Spray sunscreens need to be applied thoroughly and often. Creams or lotions spread more easily and evenly on skin. But reapply any format frequently for best protection.
