How can I minimize my chances of getting skin cancer?
Though the Mohs technique is proven to effectively treat the most common types of skin cancer, preventing the cancer from developing in the first place is still the safest option. Below is a list of many practices you can adopt to help protect yourself from harmful UV rays that cause skin cancer.
- Stay indoors or seek shade during the sun’s peak hours of intensity
- Do not use UV tanning beds
- Cover exposed skin with clothing such as long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses when outside
- Examine your entire body for signs of skin cancer at least once a month
- Wear a broad spectrum, high SPF sunscreen whenever going outside, and check to make sure it is within its expiration date
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours,and make sure it is a water-resistant brand if you plan on swimming or sweating.
- The lips are one of the most common locations for skin cancers. Use a lip balm of SPF 15 or higher
- Avoid sunburns
- Unless your cars windows have a special window film, some types of UV rays can still get through. Wear sunscreen in the car if your windows have not been treated, especially on long trips or if you plan on driving with the windows down.
Whether you are indoors or outdoors, there is no safe way to tan. A tan is a sign of damage to skin cells that may result in cancer, and tanning beds cause more cases of cancer each year than even cigarettes. The intensity of the sun during Florida’s summers only increases the dangers associated with UV exposure, making these precautions even more important for reducing your risk of developing skin cancer.
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