Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in USA. According to the National Cancer Institute About one million Americans develop skin cancer each year.
The sun UV radiation provide all the necessary elements to damage your skin and eventually cause skin cancer.
There are many types of skin cancer:
- Melanoma skin cancer that forms in skin cells that make pigment;
- Basal cell skin cancer that forms in small, round cells in the base of the outer layer of skin;
- Squamous cell skin cancer that forms in flat cells that form the surface of the skin;
- Neuroendocrine skin cancer that forms in cells that release hormones in response to signals from the nervous system.
The most two common skin cancers (Basal cell and Squamous cell) occurs on areas of the skin that have been in the sun, usually on the head, neck, hands and arms.
Studies have shown that people with certain Risk Factors are more likely than others to develop skin cancer.
These risk factors include: Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation exposure, Skin Scars or Burns, Skin Infection, Skin Inflammation or skin ulcers, Skin Diseases, Radiation Therapy, Family history of skin cancer, Medical conditions affecting the Immune System.
The best way to prevent skin cancer caused by UV radiation is to protect yourself from the sun. Also, it is very important to protect children from an early age, since research has found that most sun damage happens before age 15.
It is best to wear sun protective clothing when exposed to the sun, and specially when swimming, and use sunscreen on exposed skin whenever you can.
Also, you should be aware of UV radiation which can be reflected by sand, water, snow, and ice. UV radiation can go through light clothing, windshields, windows, and clouds. Wear long sleeves and long pants, a hat with a wide brim, and sunglasses that absorb UV.
Use sunscreen lotions (at least SPF15) where possible.
The most common place where you can be over-exposed to the sun UV radiation is on the beach, therefore a special type of sun clothing is required which can give you the right skin protection and the freedom you expect to feel when spending your day swimming, sailing, surfing or simply walking on the sands.
The ozone protect Earth from harmful UV radiation. Ozone depletion and weather variations, cause different amounts of UV radiation to reach the Earth. To check the UV index in your city or country visit the Environmental Protection Agency website. |
