June is “Cancer From the Sun Month”. Summer is here, and that means spending more time in the sun. Skin Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in the world. Luckily, it’s also one of the most preventable. Protect yourself from the sun this summer to help keep your skin safe., Here are five prevention tips to help you prevent skin cancer:
1) Use Sunscreen- There are a lot of reasons people don’t use sunscreen. They forget, it’s inconvenient, or they just don’t like the feel of it. However, sunscreen truly is the best way to prevent skin cancer, and we’ve known that for quite some time. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Remember to use enough sunscreen and reapply it about every two hours.
2) Protect Skin with Clothing- Clothing can block out some of the sun’s rays. Choose long-sleeved shirts that are lightweight and long pants. There are even some clothes that are specially made to protect the skin from UV rays.
3) Spend Time in the Shade- The sun’s rays are strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If possible, avoid outdoor activities between those times. However, try to remain in the shade as much as possible. Use a beach umbrella to cast shade or sit under trees.
4) Put on a Hat –Wide-brimmed hats keep sun off the face, head, neck, and ears. To further protect your eyes, wear sunglasses.
5) Regularly Examine Skin- Monthly self-examinations of the skin can mean identifying skin cancer early. Look for changes to existing moles, new moles, or other unusual changes in the skin. Report them to a doctor immediately.
Home care providers like Home Assist Health can help older adults to follow these tips for preventing skin cancer. They can remind the person to use sunscreen and If they have difficulty applying it, we can assist. We can also help older adults to examine their skin, looking at areas where they cannot see like their back.
Information derived from: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm