With summer fast approaching, the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers created a list of 50 easy ways to reduce risks for skin cancer.
Fun in the sun is available almost all year long in the Las Vegas Valley, but the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers knows that the real fun in the sun starts when the weather heats up in May. With people’s focus turning to days outside, the oncology care practice is appreciative that Skin Cancer Awareness Month is also in May, offering people information and inspiration to protect their skin.
There are many ways to become safer in the sun, and the team at Comprehensive Cancer Centers compiled a list of 50 of them. We invite you to check out the list and see how easy it can be to reduce risk of skin cancer, while being generally safer and smarter in the summer heat:
- Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher regularly when outdoors.
- Seek shade, particularly during peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
- Use sunglasses that offer UV protection to shield the eyes from harmful rays.
- Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps, as they emit harmful UV radiation.
- Perform regular self-examinations of the skin to detect any changes or abnormalities.
- Schedule annual skin cancer screenings with a dermatologist, especially for those with a family history or high-risk factors.
- Be mindful of medications that increase photosensitivity and take appropriate precautions.
- Stay hydrated to maintain healthy skin and support its natural defense mechanisms.
- Incorporate foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids into the diet to promote skin health.
- Limit alcohol consumption, as excessive drinking can impair the body’s ability to repair DNA damage caused by UV exposure.
- Quit smoking, as tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that can contribute to skin cancer risk.
- Stay informed about the UV index and take appropriate precautions when it is high.
- Encourage children to adopt sun-safe habits from a young age to establish lifelong behaviors.
- Install UV-blocking film on windows and windshields to reduce exposure to harmful UV rays.
- Consider using laundry additives that increase the UV protection of clothing.
- Apply lip balm with SPF to protect the lips from sun damage.
- Be cautious around reflective surfaces such as water, sand, and snow, which can amplify UV radiation.
- Take breaks from outdoor activities to give the skin time to rest and recover.
- Avoid sunburns, as they significantly increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors to allow it to fully absorb into the skin.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Use a water-resistant sunscreen formulation when engaging in water activities.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, neck, and ears.
- Consider wearing UV-protective clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating for added sun protection.
- Keep infants under six months of age out of direct sunlight and dress them in protective clothing and hats.
- Seek shade under umbrellas, trees, or other structures when spending extended periods outdoors.
- Monitor moles and other skin lesions for changes in size, shape, color, or texture.
- Use caution when using outdoor recreational equipment such as ATVs, bicycles, and motorcycles, as prolonged sun exposure can increase skin cancer risk.
- Be aware of the cumulative effects of sun exposure over time and take appropriate precautions to minimize risk.
- Educate yourself about the different types of skin cancer and their warning signs.
- Consider wearing protective clothing made from tightly woven fabrics for added sun protection.
- Use extra caution at higher altitudes, as UV radiation levels can be more intense.
- Avoid sun exposure during outdoor activities that involve reflection, such as skiing, snowboarding, or boating.
- Invest in window coverings or treatments that block UV rays while still allowing natural light into the home.
- Consider using a wide-brimmed hat with a neck flap for added protection during outdoor activities.
- Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including the scalp, ears, and tops of feet.
- Avoid outdoor activities that involve prolonged sun exposure, such as gardening or outdoor sports, during peak sunlight hours.
- Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any suspicious changes in your skin, such as new or changing moles.
- Consider using a UV-protective umbrella or parasol when spending time outdoors.
- Limit outdoor activities that involve prolonged sun exposure, such as hiking or picnicking, during peak sunlight hours.
- Keep outdoor play areas shaded with canopies, umbrellas, or natural shade structures.
- Be vigilant about applying sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days, as UV rays can penetrate cloud cover.
- Use caution around water, as UV rays can reflect off surfaces and increase exposure.
- Consider wearing UV-protective clothing, such as rash guards or swim shirts, while swimming or participating in water sports.
- Encourage friends and family to adopt sun-safe habits and support each other in staying protected from UV radiation.
- Be mindful of medications that may increase sun sensitivity and take appropriate precautions to minimize risk.
- Consider using a UV-protective lip balm with SPF to protect the lips from sun damage.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Stay informed about the latest recommendations for sun protection and skin cancer prevention from reputable sources such as the American Academy of Dermatology.
We hope you find the list above useful and follow directives to be healthier in the sun.
Comprehensive Cancer Centers Can Help
Physicians at Comprehensive Cancer Centers provide a variety of treatment options for patients with skin cancer with all treatments being done right here in Southern Nevada. To schedule an appointment with Comprehensive, please call 702-952-3350.
The content is this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.