Skin Cancer Prevention Tips For Women

Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer out there. The majority of cases appear on the parts of the skin most exposed to the sun. This includes the face and arms! It can also appear on other areas, but these are the most common. Most women think of moles when they think of skin cancer. This is true! Irregular moles are a symptom of skin cancer. Other signs to watch for include sores that don’t heal, discolored skin, scaly patches, and other skin irregularities.

Skin cancer is a fairly treatable form of cancer, especially when it’s caught early. Women often turn to cancerous mole removal and other forms of skin cancer surgery. There are even several options for skin cancer on scalp treatment! Of course, the best defense against skin cancer is to prevent it. The great news here? That’s easy too!

Keep An Eye On Skin

As mentioned, cancerous moles can be removed. Women will know if they have moles or other skin issues in two ways. One is to look at their skin regularly at home. A self-check once a month is a good starting point! This makes sure women are familiar with their skin so they can spot any unusual changes fairly quickly. A skin self-check should encompass the whole body. Women can check their scalp by using a fine comb to brush their hair away. The rest of their body can be examined in front of a mirror. Hand mirror can help with hard to see areas!

Women should make note of changes in their skin. This includes color, texture, and shape changes. A mole that suddenly changes shape is included in this! Booking an appointment with a doctor or dermatologist to have these changes looked at is vital. Of course, an appointment once a year is still a good idea, even if there are no changes!

Put On Sunscreen

Sunscreen is a woman’s best friend when it comes to enjoying the sunlight. It is a great way to prevent skin cancer! Sunscreen’s SPF is how long skin can be exposed to the sun before it will start to burn. Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Used properly, SPF 30 sunscreen will block 97 percent of the sun’s UV rays. Proper sunscreen application involves using a shot glass full for the body and applying it 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Sunscreen should also be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming. Yes, even if it’s waterproof! It is much safer to reapply after being in the water.

Avoid Using UV Tanning Beds

Ultraviolet tanning beds, even when they’re used infrequently, can dramatically increase a woman’s risk of developing some form of skin cancer. Reports indicate it can triple the odds of melanoma, which is the most common type of skin cancer. Many UV tanning beds have bulbs that emit UV radiation that’s around 12 times stronger than the UV radiation from the sun’s rays. This is precisely why women should avoid using tanning beds to prevent skin cancer. Yes, they provide a nice tanned glow, but it’s not worth it! Instead, spray tans can offer the glow as well with far less of a risk attached. They must, of course, be used correctly. This means looking at the directions and talking to professionals!

Stay In The Shade

Sun exposure is the biggest risk factor when it comes to skin cancer. Even though laying in the sun might feel nice, it isn’t recommended for too long! Besides wearing sunscreen, women should stay in the shade as much as possible when they’re trying to prevent skin cancer. Staying in the shade is especially important during peak hours, which are generally between 10 AM and 4 PM. The sun’s rays are the strongest during this time, which makes sun protection and shade more important than ever. Trees are a great source of shade, as are outdoor tents and gazebos. Women who want to spend time at the beach should bring a beach umbrella along to provide shade.

Wear Clothing To Cover Up

Clothing is an incredible and simple way to prevent skin cancer. Covering up skin means it’s not being exposed to the sun! Although thick clothing and dark colors are very effective at protecting the skin from the sun, it’s not always practical. Even wearing light colors and flowy fabric can help cover the skin and protect it from the sun. Sunglasses are also important to cover up from the sun and protect the eyes. Hats, especially those with wide brims, are great for covering up the face! Wearing a t-shirt, beach dress, or other swimsuit coverups when not in the water is a crucial part of protecting the skin. Of course, women should still be wearing sunscreen!