Skin cancer primary prevention

Skin cancer Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification Melanoma Basal cell carcinoma Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin Actinic keratosis Bowen's disease Keratoacanthoma Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans Merkel cell carcinoma Kaposi's sarcoma Angiosarcoma Cutaneous B cell lymphoma Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma Sebaceous gland carcinoma
Pathophysiology
Causes
Epidemiology & Demographics
Risk factors
Screening
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Primary prevention for skin cancer involves various behavior modifications such as reducing exposure to ultraviolet radiation and/or minimizing potential harm caused by ultraviolet radiation.

Prevention

Although it is impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of skin cancer, the risk of developing such a cancer can be reduced significantly with the following steps:

• Reducing exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially in early years
• Avoiding sunburns
• Avoiding sun exposure during the day (usually from 10 AM to 3 PM), when the sun is highest in the sky
• Wearing protective clothing (long sleeves and hats) when outdoors
• Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB radiation
• Use SPF sun block of at least 50
• Reapply sun block every 2 hours and after swimming

Although it is generally accepted that UV exposure is the greatest risk factor in melanoma development, some skeptics say that there is no proven data that links moderate sun exposure with the appearance of melanoma.

References

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