5 Simple Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

Aug 08, 2013

Skin cancer is the most common of all cancers, accounting for almost half of all cancers in the U.S. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer because it can spread (metastasis) to other parts of the body; 76,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2013. As Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids, 1 in 10* PET scans are performed on patients with melanoma to look for recurrence or metastasis. 

Here are five simple ways to prevent skin cancer:

1. Seek shade. Avoid direct exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
2. Cover up. Wear comfortable clothing that protects you from the sun. Select tightly woven fabrics that you cannon see through when help up to a light.
3. Apply sunscreen. Use sunscreen and lip balm wiht an SPF of 30 or higher.
4. Wear a hat. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears and neck. If you wear a baseball hat, apply sunscreen to your ears and neck.
5. Wear sunglasses. Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB lenses.

Reprinted by the permission of the American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved.
*Data range from January-May 2013.