What Is Skin Cancer? and How Can We Prevent It?

Summer is the best season for sun activities, but the sun exposure is not without a price. As many people already know, skin cancer is mostly developed through sun exposure. Obviously, the best way to prevent skin cancer is to avoid the sun, but we all are eagerly anticipating fun in summer; we want to have pool parties and BBQs in hot and sunny weather. Now, I want to suggest to you the most effective and realistic way to prevent skin cancer when you have fun outside.

The Types of Skin Cancer

First, it is important to know the types of skin cancer because one is more dreadful than other. There are two main types of skin cancer: Squamous Cell Carcinoma and  Melanoma. The first one is less harmful; it only stays in one location of a body. Melanoma, on the other hand, spreads to other areas of a body, especially to other organs. Melanoma is usually darkish, but it can be any colour. In men, it is usually found on the back, whereas in women, it is often found on the leg. 

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The Risk Factors of Skin Cancer

Patients with light-complexioned skin, naturally blond or red hair, a family history of skin cancer, or many moles have a higher risk of getting skin cancer.

The Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer

It is important to cover up your skin as much as you can. For instance, you should try to wear a hat to protect your face; you should wear sleeves and pants.

You should monthly check your skin, making sure that there is nothing suspicious on your skin. If you think you have skin cancer, you should not hesitate to see doctors.

It is essential to use sunscreen; it is by far the best way to prevent skin cancer. However, you should make sure you use the sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, with stated “UVA and UVB” protection on the bottle, and the ingredients “titanium” and/or “zinc oxide.”

Having fun in summer is definitely not wrong, but you should be careful. If you still want sun activities, you should make sure you follow the suggestions I made above, and I hope everyone has a great summer in the future and stays healthy.

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Dohoon Kim