As summer draws near and the days become longer and brighter, it is important to take measures to keep your skin protected from the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Unfortunately, many people do not understand just how serious prolonged UV exposure can be – in fact, if left unprotected or improperly protected, you may be at risk for developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer.
Thankfully there are steps you can take throughout your life to reduce your chances of melanoma or lessen its impact should you contract it; below we'll explore 9 effective ways that men and women alike can guard themselves against this potentially dangerous form of cancer.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. It’s most often caused by too much exposure to , such as sunlight and tanning beds, although it can occur in people with little or no history of sun exposure. Early recognition and diagnosis of melanoma is important, because it can be much more difficult to treat if it spreads to other parts of the body.
This cancer may develop anywhere on your body, but most commonly appears on the back, neck, arms and legs. If you notice changes in moles or spots that look different from your other moles or spots be sure to get them checked out by a medical professional before they become dangerous.
Symptoms of Melanoma
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that most commonly develops from skin cells called melanocytes. It can occur on any part of the body, but is typically found on areas that have the most sun exposure such as the face, scalp, arms, legs and torso. Common signs to look for are any changes in size, shape or colour of existing moles — changes could involve areas becoming darker than their surroundings, having multiple colours or becoming irregularly shaped.
In some cases, you might even see a new mole appear with these same symptoms. Another potential indicator is itching or irritation around the moles. Overall, if there is anything out of the ordinary happening on your skin it's best to consult a doctor immediately to be safe and get tested promptly.
Causes of melanoma
Melanoma is a skin cancer that develops when melanocytes, or cells that produce the color in your skin, are damaged by ultraviolet rays from the sun. While excessive exposure to UV rays is a major risk factor for developing melanoma, genetics can also play a role. Studies suggest that individuals with mutations in certain genes, such as those related to immunity and cell repair, are more likely to develop melanoma when exposed to UV radiation.
Additional risk factors include having a weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV or AIDS, as well as family history of the disease because it may be passed on through genetic mutations. Living in sunny climates and having multiple moles are also associated with elevated levels of melanoma risk. Given these causes of melanoma, it is important to limit your time in the sun and wear sunscreen whenever you go outside no matter the weather.
How to Prevent Melanoma Skin Cancer?
1- Never Use Tanning Lamps and Beds
Tanning lamps and beds are the leading cause of skin cancer, including melanoma. To prevent this dangerous form of cancer, it’s best to avoid indoor tanning altogether. Even if you don’t notice any changes to your skin immediately, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet light from tanning beds can increase your risk for long-term effects that may not manifest until years later.
Ultraviolet radiation is especially damaging to young adults under the age of 25 and increases their risk of melanoma far more than those over the age of 25. Instead of risking permanent skin damage, it is much safer to use self-tanning products such as lotions and sprays which do not involve exposing your skin to hazardous artificial ultraviolet radiation.
2- Do Not Avoid Any Change
Change is something that can be uncomfortable, but it's how we grow and move forward. However, when it comes to preventing melanoma skin cancer, change is something that cannot be avoided. Adopting healthy habits such as wearing protective clothing, regularly checking moles or other pigmented areas and avoiding sun exposure during midday when UV rays are strongest are all essential steps in the prevention of this type of skin cancer.
Allowing yourself to make and accept these changes will go a long way in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and reducing your risk of getting melanoma skin cancer.
3- Do Not Go Outside without Wearing Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen is the best way to protect your skin from sunburn and damage, as well as how to prevent melanoma skin cancer. The rays from the sun can do lasting damage that can put you at risk for more serious issues later in life. Everyone should make sure they apply a generous amount sunscreen before going outside.
It only a few minutes, but can provide long-term protection against UV radiation. Reapplying Eevery two hours or after swimming and sweating is important too. It can be easy to forget, but planning ahead is key when it comes to making sure your skin remains healthy and safe.
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4- Avoid The Sun During Peak Hours (10am-4pm)
It is important to take precautions against the sun during peak hours, generally 10am to 4pm. This is because your skin can be damaged by the sun's rays and in extreme cases, may even cause melanoma skin cancer. To protect yourself from this, it is recommended that you wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat every time you go out in the sun.
Additionally, try to stay in the shade as much as possible when spending time outdoors during peak hours to reduce your exposure to ultraviolet rays. Making these simple changes could save your life.
5- Wear A Wide-Brimmed Hat To Protect Your Face And Neck
Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is an excellent way to protect your face and neck from sun damage. With as much as 80 percent of our lifetime exposure to sunlight happening before the age of 18, it is important to take measures to prevent melanoma skin cancer at an early age.
Not only can a wide-brimmed hat protect you from developing skin cancer in the future, but it can also help lower your overall heat exposure during hot summer months since your head remains cool and shaded. Hats come in many styles and colors and are relatively inexpensive, so make sure you choose one that is right for you and wear it proudly!
6- Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher
Wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is one of the best ways to protect your skin from serious health risks. By blocking most of the sun's harmful UV rays, you can help to reduce your chances of developing melanoma skin cancer.
Applying sunscreen regularly also helps maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin and can provide added protection against sunburns, wrinkles, and uneven skin tone. Sunscreen should be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside and should be reapplied every two hours for the best results. Sun protection isn't just important in summertime; use sunscreen year round whenever you are exposed to sunlight.
7- Stay in the shade whenever possible
Spending time in the sun may feel great but it can lead to serious health risks, especially when it comes to melanoma skin cancer. Of all non-melanoma cancers, melanoma is one of the deadliest and people of all ages should be aware how to protect themselves from potential danger. One easy and effective way to prevent melanoma skin cancer is to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Limiting exposure to direct sunlight reduces your risk of UV damage which research has linked to various types of cancer. Whenever you head outdoors, be sure to find a spot with shade and take regular breaks away from direct sunlight. This simple precaution can help you enjoy summertime safely while protecting your skin!
8- Wear sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays
Wearing sunglasses that can block both UVA and UVB rays is a critical way to help prevent skin cancer, especially melanoma. Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the most common causes of melanoma, and the effect is cumulative; the more exposure to the sunlight, the greater your risk.
By wearing sunglasses that protect against both UVA and UVB radiation whenever you’re outside - even on partly cloudy days - you can greatly reduce your chances of developing skin cancer. Look for labels or logos verifying at least 99 percent blockage from both UVA and UVB rays when selecting your sunglasses.
9- Examine your skin regularly for any changes
Examining your skin regularly is an important part of how to prevent melanoma skin cancer. It's critical to know the physical characteristics of your own body and pay attention to how it changes over time. Examine yourself from head to toe, focusing on any new spots that appear, moles that have changed shape or size, or a sore that hasn't healed.
If you spot any patches of ducted discs that have irregular borders, uneven coloration, or a combination of colors--seek medical attention right away as this could be a sign of melanoma skin cancer. Taking the time to check over your skin can be the difference between an early diagnosis and potentially serious prognosis further down the line.
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What are the Risk Factors of Melanoma?
Melanoma skin cancer is an aggressive and potentially deadly form of cancer. It is important to identify the risk factors so that how to prevent it can be better understood. While anyone can be affected, some people are at a higher risk due to certain characteristics including having fair skin, exposure to sunlight or tanning beds, a history of excessive sunburns, atypical moles and family history.
People with fair skin are particularly vulnerable because of their low levels of melanin, the natural pigment in the skin that absorbs UV radiation and darkens when exposed to sunlight. Additionally, those with large numbers of small or abnormal moles pose a substantial risk as they tend to have more DNA damage related to UV exposure that leads to cancerous cells growing in the body.
Lastly, heredity plays an important role in how likely you are to develop melanoma so it's crucial for individuals with family members affected by this type of cancer to discuss how best to protect themselves from the same risks. It is possible to reduce your chances of being diagnosed with melanoma by practicing healthy sun safety habits like avoiding daylight hours without sunscreen, wearing protective clothing and seeking shade whenever possible.
Please book an appointment with the Best General Physician in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 02137136090 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
