Skin Cancer Prevention
9 September 2008
Every day, sunlight radiates prodigious amounts of ultraviolet (UV) lightthe culprit behind sunburn, photo-ageing, cataracts, cornea inflammations, conjunctiva, and, more frighteningly, skin cancer.
Staying under the shade just isn’t enough, seeing as UV rays can bounce off any surface like asphalt, water, and snow. Likewise, misconstruing a cloudy day as a safe time to go out could be deadly; UV rays can “peek” through haze or clouds.
Fair-skinned people should do well staying away from tanning beds and sunlamp. These are the most potent manmade sources of UV light.
In nature, UV rays are at their most damaging at midday, between 10 AM and 4 PM. Covering up against the sun could not be any more reiterated during these hours. One should not go out without slathering on sunscreen/sunblock with a high sun protective factor, a minimum of SPF 15, and with protection against both UVA and UVB light.
In much the same way, donning long-sleeved shirts, long pants and other clothing reduces exposure. Sunglasses, the type that wrap around, are recommended. For hats, those with wide brims offer the best protection, especially for balding men.
Any one of these sun protection measures shouldn’t be taken singly. It helps to get optimal sun protection as possible, by putting into action these measures at the same time.
While in the shade, one may as well look for suspicious-looking moles. Changes in shape, size, and color are red flags. One should especially check for bleeding or inflamed moles. Those could be ominous signs too.
Melanomas don’t necessarily emerge always from moles. Cancerous spots have been known, usually arising at the back, legs, calves, or trunk. Even body parts rarely exposed to the sun should be monitored too, like the feet, hands, armpits, etc.
Dr. Harold Farber is a board certified dermatologist and frequent lecturer of skin cancer prevention and treatment. Harold Farber has been a guest lecturer for the topic “Treatment Options for Body Dermatoses.” Dr Harold Farber has a practice in Pennsylvania.
