Skin cancer is preventable when you take certain steps to protect yourself. The dermatologists of Anders Dermatology in Toledo, OH, routinely discuss the importance of skin cancer prevention for their patients.
How Can You Prevent Skin Cancer?
The best way to prevent skin cancer is to protect your skin from damaging ultraviolet rays from sunlight and tanning beds. Ultraviolet light damages the DNA in skin cells, and this increases the risk of several types of skin cancer. Use high-quality sunscreen when you are outdoors, and avoid direct sunlight whenever possible. We also recommend that you schedule an annual full-body skin exam with one of our dermatologists and check your skin at home every month.
Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer
While no cancer is entirely preventable, skin cancer is the most preventable type of cancer. Most of the cases are related to sun exposure, regular sunburns, and excessive tanning. These are all lifestyle choices that you can change to reduce your risk.
Ultraviolet Light Exposure and Skin Cancer
Ultraviolet light exposure is at least partially responsible for most skin cancer cases. Protecting your skin with clothing and sunscreen, as well as avoiding sunlight, are very effective in reducing your risk for skin cancer. Although these practices do not guarantee that you will never get skin cancer, any measures you can take will help.
How Does Sunscreen Prevent Skin Cancer?
Sunscreen works by reflecting ultraviolet rays away from your skin. Without sunscreen, your skin absorbs all the damaging rays from the sun. Some UV rays reach your skin, but not to the extent as without sunscreen. Sunscreen products are labeled with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF). SPF represents how long it takes, on average, for the sunlight to redden your skin. Higher SPF ratings provide the most protection, but no product will completely block out damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Learn More About Skin Cancer Prevention
The dermatologists of Anders Dermatology have the expertise to help Toledo, OH, residents understand skin cancer and its risks. Call us today at (419) 473-3257 to schedule an appointment at our Toledo, OH, office.
