Skin Cancer Melanoma: Symptoms and Treatment Options

While not all forms of skin cancer can be prevented, there are ways a person can reduce certain risk factors.  The following information includes ways to limit the risk of skin cancer:

•    Limit ultraviolet exposure: one of the most important ways a person can reduce the risk of basal and squamous cell skin cancer is to limit exposure to UV rays.  Practice sun safety, wear protective eye wear, use sunscreen regularly, put on a shirt and over sized hat anytime skin is exposed to direct sunlight.

•    Wear protective clothing: clothing offers different levels of protection from sun exposure. Long-sleeved shirts, long pants and long skirts offer a person the most protection and darker colors generally provide better protection than lighter colored clothing.  Some clothing manufacturers in the U.S. are now making clothes that are lightweight and offer UV protection, even when wet.  The higher the level of a sunscreen, the more protection is offered against UV rays.

•    Regular use of sunscreen: the American Cancer Society recommends regular use of sunscreen as part of a UV protection regimen.  Using sunscreens and lip balms with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher is especially important when being exposed to sunlight for long periods of time, in a hot environment or high altitude, and during peak sunshine hours (10 am-4 pm).
•    Wrap around sun glasses: up to 99% of rays can be absorbed by wearing wrap-around sunglasses.  When shopping for sun glasses, search for brands that block UVA and UVB rays, verify if the label states “meets ANSI UV requirements,” if there is no label, the sunglasses may not provide adequate protection.

•    Stay in the shade: limit UV exposure by seeking shaded areas when outdoors during prime sunlight hours from 10 am until 4 pm.  If a person is unsure of how intense the sun rays are, doing the shadow test is necessary:  if the shadow is shorter than a person, the sun rays are strong and the person should seek out shade.

•    UV index: the amount of UV rays that reach the ground, depends upon a number of factors; the time of day and year, elevation and cloud cover.  The National Weather Service and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have developed the UV index which helps people better understand the intensity of UV rays.  If the number of the  UV index is higher it means there is an increased chance of sunburn, skin damage and development of skin cancers of all types.

•    Avoid other types of UV light: using tanning beds or sunlamps is dangerous because the UV radiation delivered, can cause skin damage.  Mounting evidence suggests prolonged use raises the chances of getting skin cancer, most physicians recommend people avoid tanning beds and sun lamps completely.

•    Protecting children from the sun: small children require extra attention because they spend more time outside and can become sunburned easier.  Parents and childcare providers should protect children from long periods of sun exposure and always observe a sun protection program.  Use of hats, sunscreen and protective eye wear is always recommended and avoiding direct exposure during the peak hours (10 am until 4 pm) should be observed.

•    Sun exposure and vitamin D: vitamin D has many healthful benefits, and can lower the risks of some types of cancer.  Vitamin D is naturally manufactured by the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight.  The amount of vitamin D the skin manufactures depends upon age, skin color and intensity of the sun light.  For children that live in an area of very little sunlight or have darker skin tone, a vitamin D supplement may be necessary.

•    Avoid dangerous chemicals: exposure to certain harmful chemicals such as arsenic, can increase the risk of skin cancer.  People can be exposed to arsenic in well water, pesticides, herbicides, some types of medications, herbal medications and in an occupational capacity. High levels of arsenic should be avoided.

•    Become educated about skin cancer prevention: several organizations conduct skin cancer workshops and prevention activities in schools, parks and recreational areas.  There are brochures and public service announcements designed to educate people about the necessity of skin cancer prevention.

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