In America, skin cancer can occur in as much as 20% of the population. It resolves to be a significant health hazard. Even if treatment is available, extra care should be taken on a daily basis to keep clear of the risks.

Most of the time, the most severe form of cancer – melanoma – has no symptoms. Other types include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Sometimes there are skin lesions involved, sometimes they are not.

It is highly recommendable to control the risk activities and to do a quick check with a medic when something seems not to be as usual.

The first thing one can do in order to avoid skin cancer remains to stay away from the sun.

Wear clothing that covers the skin, for example, hats with wide brims, shirts with long sleeves and sunglasses. Avoid staying in direct sunlight between 10 AM and 2 PM, because then the sun shines the brightest. As they enhance the effect of the sun rays, be careful near water, sand and snow.

Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before going out, and the operation should be repeated every two hours. In the case of swimming or sweating, sunscreen should be reapplied. A lip balm with SPF factor higher than 30 is also recommended.

The most effective sunscreen should be one with broad spectrum, for both UVA and UVB. It should have at least a factor of 30, and it should be applied to every part of the body that can get exposed to the sun.

Ultraviolet protection is necessary even on days with cloudy sky and even in winter.

The most common artificial place where a person can be exposed to ultraviolet light is the tanning bed. Apart being a high-risk factor for skin cancer, it can also provoke skin aging. Going to a tanning bed can be replaced by using a self-tanning lotion or by using tan sprays.

Assuming these rules are respected, regular self-checks will be enough to help you spot the signs. This verification should be done on a monthly basis and cover all skin.

Any modification such as bleeding bumps, red zones, sores that keep returning, rapid growing moles, or moles that bleed, itch or change color should be reason enough for a medical control.

The earliest skin cancer is diagnosed, the easier the treatment should be. Therefore, use protection, avoid getting exposed to UV and intense sun rays and always check with a doctor if you notice modifications on your skin.

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