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subject: A Few Precautions You Can Take To Avoid Getting Skin Cancer [print this page]


Cancer - the dreaded "C" word that no one wants to have to deal with. There are many different types of cancer. The most common type of cancer in the United States is skin cancer. In fact, skin cancer is diagnosed in over one million Americans each year and causes over 10,000 deaths. However, it is also one of the most preventable cancers. With just a few precautions, you can avoid the risk of skin cancer.

One way to avoid getting skin cancer is to lather on the sunscreen when you are headed outdoors. According to the American Cancer Society, you should use a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. They also recommend that you reapply the sunscreen every two hours.

Today there are many types of sunscreen in the forms of creams, oils, and now convenient sprays. So lather up and protect your skin.

It is also important to try and avoid the peak hours of the sun. The harmful UV rays of the sun are strongest during the peak hours of 10am and 4pm. This is when the sun is directly overhead. UV rays have nothing to do with the heat or the brightness of the sun but rather with the angle of the sun's rays. So, be careful not to over do during those peak hours.

Wearing protective clothing and a hat can help to protect your skin for the sun. Many people don't think about their scalp when they put on sunscreen unless they are balding. But, just because there is hair on your head doesn't mean your scalp is fully protected. This is especially true or blonde or gray haired people, fair skin people, and people with thinning hair. So, wear a hat and protect your head.

Another important tip to help protect you from sun damage is to wear sunglasses. This will not only protect the delicate tissue around and underneath the eyes from getting burnt which could lead to skin cancer, but it will also keep you from getting unwanted wrinkles and fine lines caused from squinting.

Everyone loves to go out in the sun, but when they do they must remember to play it safe. A little precaution now can save you a ton of sorrow later on. So, follow these tips to avoid skin cancer and have fun in the sun.

by: Kristine Librado.




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