Skin cancer prevention

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. The incidence of skin cancer is increasing, and many cases of cancer can be reduced if you are vigilant and take timely action.

Although people with fair skin color are more prone to sunburn and other harmful effects of sunlight, anyone, even with dark skin color, is at risk of developing skin cancer. There is no such thing as a "healthy tan." The appearance of sunburn means that the skin produces more melanin pigment in response to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Skin cancer can occur at any age, while melanoma is more likely to develop in young people.

Research organizations note that only 56% of people follow sun protection measures, although protecting their skin from the harmful effects of UV rays is the best way to minimize the risk of developing skin cancer.

Apply a protective agent. To protect yourself from the effects of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays, which are most harmful to the skin, choose products with a wide spectrum of action that do not wash off with water and have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 (the higher the SPF, the more protection the product provides from UVB rays). Apply the product evenly, even on a cloudy day, to all exposed areas of the body, including the ears, lips and the back of the neck. To allow the protective agent to soak in, apply it 20-30 minutes before going outside and repeat the application every 2 hours, especially if you sweat or swim in an open pond. Read the labels: Some cosmetics contain sunscreen components, but if not, additional protection will be required. Use sunscreens all year round.

Stay protected. Wear long-sleeve shirts and trousers. Dark-colored clothing protects to a greater extent than light-colored clothing, and clothing made of dense fabric protects to a greater extent than clothing made of light fabric. Wear a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat to protect your nose, ears, forehead, and neck from the sun.

Wear sunglasses. Protect your eyes from sunlight, and wear panoramic sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays (check the label; the product must be ANSI approved). Glasses that are considered "cosmetic" block only 70% of UV rays, and glasses without a special label may not have such protection at all, or have an insufficient level. Also, do not think that the darker the glasses, the better protection they provide, protection is achieved by treating the glass with special chemicals.

Avoid periods of maximum solar activity. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight during periods of maximum UV-ray activity, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Plan your day in such a way that you stay outdoors during the hours of less solar activity. Make sure that children walking outside play in the shade, and make sure that they are well protected with special equipment or clothing. The safety of relaxing on the beach, at outdoor pools, and at ski resorts can be deceptive; although you may not feel the effects of sunlight (in the form of overheating), keep in mind that sand, water, and snow reflect UV rays, enhancing their effects. Even if you stay in the shade surrounded by water, you should still apply sunscreen to the entire surface of your body when you are going to swim, the water reflects sunlight even when you are in the water. In addition, the danger persists even on cloudy days, despite the "absence" of the sun, UV rays penetrate through the clouds.

Try to refrain from going to the solarium. Tanning beds and solar lamps are unsafe; these devices emit UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to the development of skin cancer. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of the Association of Dermatologists recommend banning people under the age of 18 from visiting tanning salons.

Perform self-diagnosis regularly. Examine your skin for new moles, freckles, and growths, and if you notice any changes to existing moles and freckles or the appearance of new and suspicious growths, contact a dermatologist. Skin cancer often occurs in areas of the skin exposed to the sun, but it can also develop in the genital area, scalp, or on the plantar part of the foot. Most cancers respond well to treatment when detected early.

Be persistent. Use the sun protection methods described above all year round and make them a habit for the whole family. Avoid sunburn: severe sun exposure can contribute to the development of skin cancer. Be especially attentive to children and adolescents, because it is the behavior of childhood and adolescence that can determine the likelihood of developing skin cancer in later years.