How to Avoid Skin Cancer

Overview

You have been told to wear sunblock when you go to the beach. Instead, you disregard that piece of information and lay out in the sun to get a golden tan. After you do this for years, your sun-exposed skin becomes a major concern for your doctor. Skin cancer refers to the abnormal growth of skin cells due to to UV light (sunlight) exposure, genetics, your age and a light complexion. Skin cancer can occur in anybody. According to Medline Plus, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. There are ways to avoid skin cancer.

Step 1

Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen on your entire body including your face, lips and ears. Sunscreen can filter out most of the damaging ultraviolet rays. Choose a sunscreen lotion that has a sunscreen protecting factor (SPF) of 15 or greater. Use sunscreen everyday and apply 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours. Keep a bottle of sunscreen in your purse, car and house for convenience.

Step 2

Avoid sun-exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. According to the Mayo Clinic, the sun is most intense during this time period.

Step 3

Cover sun-exposed areas on your body and wear pants and long-sleeved clothing. Wear a hat with a broad brim and sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Step 4

Do not use tanning beds or tanning lotions or oils. Tanning beds expose your skin to harmful ultraviolet light and tanning substances do not block any ultraviolet rays.

Step 5

Examine your skin daily. Look for moles that are asymmetric in shape. Check to see whether the mole has irregular borders. Notice the mole's color. If it changes in color or turns different colors, this is cause for concern. Be aware if your mole is larger than a quarter of an inch or changing over time. Remember to examine your face, ears, scalp, palms of your hands and soles of your feet.

Step 6

Go to your family doctor to have your skin examined at least once every year. It is easy to miss a suspicious patch of skin.