Skin cancer?

protection

Risk Factors and Prevention
A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chance of developing a disease, including cancer. There are risk factors that can be controlled, such as smoking, and risk factors that cannot be controlled, such as age and family history. Although risk factors can influence disease, for many risk factors it is not known whether they actually cause the disease directly. Some people with several risk factors never develop the disease, while others with no known risk factors do. Knowing your risk factors and communicating with your doctor can help guide you in making wise lifestyle and health-care choices.

The following factors increase the risk of developing skin cancer:

Exposure to UV radiation. Ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation causes sunburn and plays a role in the development of basal and squamous cell cancers. Ultraviolet A (UVA) penetrates the skin more deeply, and contributes to photoaging or wrinkling. The role of UVA in the development of non-melanoma skin cancer is suspected, but not yet certain. People who live in areas with year-round, bright sunlight (both UVA and UVB) or at high altitudes have a higher risk of developing skin cancer, as do those who spend excess time outside or on a tanning bed (mostly UVA).

Fair skin. Less pigment (melanin) in skin offers poorer protection against UV radiation. People with light hair and light-colored eyes who have skin that tans poorly or freckles, or those who burn easily, are more likely to develop skin cancer.

Gender. Rates of skin cancer in white males have increased in recent years.

Age. Most basal cell and squamous cell cancers appear after age 50, but may appear earlier in individuals with sun-damaged skin.

A history of sunburns or fragile skin. Skin that has been burned, sunburned, or injured from disease is at higher risk for skin cancer. Squamous cell and basal cell cancers more often occur with higher lifetime exposure to the sun or UV radiation.

Individual history. People with weakened immune systems or those who use certain medications (such as immunosuppressive drugs, certain steroids, and drugs that make the skin sensitive to light) are at higher risk for developing skin cancer, particularly squamous cell cancers. People with very rare predisposing genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, or albinism, are at much higher risk for developing skin cancer.

Previous skin cancer. People who have had any form of skin cancer are at a higher risk for developing another skin cancer. Thirty-five percent (35%) to 50% of people diagnosed with one basal cell cancer will develop a new skin cancer within five years. Thus, people who have had one skin cancer need to be followed closely to screen for additional cancers.

Precancerous skin conditions. Two types of lesions, known as actinic keratoses, characterized by rough, red or brown scaly patches on the skin, or Bowen's disease are usually more common in areas exposed to the sun. Such areas can change into squamous cell cancers in some people. Bowen's disease in non-sun-exposed areas may be related to arsenic exposure. Use of sunscreens may decrease the risk of actinic keratoses.

Viral infection. People infected with a specific type of human papillomavirus (HPV) are at increased risk for developing squamous cell carcinoma, particularly if their immune system becomes suppressed.

Prevention

Reducing exposure to UV radiation lowers the risk of melanoma. This is important for all age groups, but is especially important for persons who have risk factors for melanoma. Sun damage is cumulative, meaning it increases over time. Steps to reduce exposure and help prevent many case of melanoma include:
Preventing sunburn

Limiting or avoiding sun exposure between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM

Wearing sun-protective clothing and a hat that shades the face, neck, and ears. Clothes made of fabric labeled with UPF (UV protection factor) may provide better protection. UV-protective sunglasses are also recommended.

Using sunscreen with a solar protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher throughout the year and reapplying it often, especially after heavy perspiration or being in the water

Examining skin regularly (examinations by a health-care professional and self-examinations)

Avoiding use of sun lamps and tanning beds or parlors

***Above is some information I pasted about Prevention of Skin Cancer from the website People Living With Cancer. It's a fantastic website, check it out for more information on Skin Cancer. Best of luck to you and I hope this information helped. Take Care:) Source(s): http"//www.plwc.org

To protect against skin cancer you can do the following:
1. Stay out of the sun between 11 AM and 4 PM.
2. Wear long sleeves, a hat, and at least SPF 30 sunscreen if you must be outside.
3. Don't allow your skin to burn. Sunburns increase the chances of getting skin cancer.
Yes. Wear protection.
First of all you must wear an SPF 30 or higher and stay out of the sun as much as you can. Remember even if it is cloudy outside, there are still harmful rays coming through the clouds. Protect yourself at all times and make sure you apply SPF after swimming too. It also doesn't hurt to wear a hat.