10 Ways to Protect Your Skin and Prevent Skin Cancer

South Africa has the second highest incidence of skin cancer in the world after Australia. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer. It can affect young adults and strikes people in middle and higher incomes more frequently.Most skin cancers are preventable. To protect yourself, follow these skin cancer prevention tips:

1. Reduce Sun Exposure

Especially between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest or when UV index is 3 or more.

2. Shade your Skin

Seek shade under trees, or create your own shade with a hat, shirt, or umbrella. Wear clothing to cover your arms and legs. Make sure the fabric has a tight weave.

3. Beware of clouds

Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, mist and fog. You can still get a sunburn on a cloudy day.

4. Remember about Reflection

Water, sand, snow and concrete can reflect up to 80% of the sun’s damaging rays.

5. Slop on the Sunscreen

Use sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or more that contain both UVA and UVB protection. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours (more often when working, playing, or swimming).

6. Avoid tanning salons and sunlamps

The UVB radiation from tanning lights is the main cause of sunburn and skin cancer and also contributes to premature skin aging.

7. Protect Children

The most harmful effects of sun exposure occur during early childhood. Keep babies under 1 year out of direct sunlight. Once infants turn 6 months of age, begin using a sunscreen for added protection.

8. Protect your Eyes

Radiation from the sun can damage cells in the structures of your eyes. UV radiation from the sun may increase the risk of developing cataracts later in life. UV radiation can also contribute to the development of skin cancer on the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.

9. Spot Check Your Moles

Examine your skin often for new skin growths or changes in existing moles, freckles, bumps and birthmarks. With the help of mirrors, check your face, neck, ears and scalp. Examine your chest and trunk, and the tops and undersides of your arms and hands.

10. Be aware of sun-sensitizing medications.

Some common prescription and over-the-counter drugs, including antibiotics, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight.