From the Guidelines
To prevent skin cancer, it is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV radiation by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The methods for preventing skin cancer include:
- Minimizing exposure to the sun during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) 1
- Seeking shade from the midday sun (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) 1
- Wearing clothing, hats, and sunglasses that protect the skin 1
- Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen (UV-A and UV-B protection) with a sun-protection factor of >15 1
- Avoiding sunlamps and tanning beds 1 It is also essential to perform monthly skin self-examinations to detect any new or changing moles, using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6mm, and Evolution or change), and schedule annual skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you have risk factors like fair skin, family history of skin cancer, or numerous moles. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends counseling children, adolescents, and young adults 10 to 24 years of age who have fair skin about minimizing their exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to reduce the risk of skin cancer 1. Schools can play a substantial role in protecting students from unnecessary exposure to UV, thereby reducing their future risk for skin cancer, by implementing policies, environmental changes, educational curricula, family involvement, professional development, integration with health services, and evaluation 1.
From the Research
Methods for Preventing Skin Cancer
The following methods can help prevent skin cancer:
- Applying SPF 15+ sunscreen 30 minutes before exposure, reapplying every 1 1/2 to 2 hours or after swimming or sweating 2
- Dressing in protective clothing, using shade, limiting exposure during peak sun hours, and avoiding artificial sources of ultraviolet radiation such as tanning beds 2, 3, 4, 5
- Seeking shade, avoiding sun exposure during peak hours of radiation, wearing protective clothing 4, 5
- Educational and policy approaches in primary schools and recreational or tourism settings to increase sun-protective behaviors 4, 5
Protective Measures
Additional protective measures include:
- Using sun-protective textiles, which can provide superior UVR protection compared to sunscreens 3
- Avoiding unnecessary exposure to the sun and artificial UVR (tanning lamps) 6
- Being aware of the factors that influence the amount of UVR reaching the earth's surface, such as ozone depletion, UV light elevation, latitude, altitude, and weather conditions 6
Early Detection and Screening
Early detection and screening are also important for preventing skin cancer: