Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and still decrease your risk of skin cancer. There are a number of ways to have a good time under the sun and keep yourself safe and prevent the occurrence of skin cancer.
Be Sun Smart
• Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible.
• Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of
30 or more to all exposed skin. Broad-spectrum provides protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply approximately every two hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating.
• Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade.
• Protect children from sun exposure by playing in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen.
• Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand because they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
• Get vitamin D safely through a healthy diet that may include vitamin supplements. Don’t seek the sun.
• Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from the sun and tanning beds can cause skin cancer and wrinkling. If you want a tanned look, consider using a sunless self-tanning product, but continue to use sunscreen with it.
• Check your birthday suit on your birthday. If you notice anything changing, growing, or bleeding on your skin, see your dermatologist. Skin cancer is very treatable when caught early.
Melanoma
Any new or changing “mole”, freckle or skin growth requires prompt medical attention. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, especially on the back. It can also occur on the nail, hand and foot, particularly in Asians. Look out for the following signs in any “mole” or skin growth:
- A = Asymmetry in the colour or surface
- B = Irregular Border
- C = Variegated or unusual colour, eg black, brown, blue or red
- D = Diameter > 6mm
- E = Evolving changes in any of the signs (shape, size or colour) or symptoms (bleeding, pain or itch)