Skin Cancer Prevention:

Six Steps for Skin Cancer Prevention
The following six steps have been recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation to help reduce the risk of sunburn and skin cancer:

1. Daily use of a sunscreen with SPF 15 or greater that protects from both UVA and UVB, on all exposed areas of the body.
2. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days. Always reapply after swimming, exercising, or sweating.
3. Minimize sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
4. Avoid exposure to UV radiation from sunlamps or tanning beds.
5. Wear protective clothing such as hats, long sleeve shirts, and sunglasses.
   
6. PROTECT CHILDREN: Remember 80% of your lifetime sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Regular use of sunscreens in children can significantly reduce their chance of developing skin cancer later in life. Do not use sunscreen on children under 6 months of age. Limit their sun exposure.

Periodic Self-Examination
Prevention of skin cancer by proper sun protection is most important. Early detection, however, is essential since most skin cancers are easily cured if caught in the early stages. To aid in early recognition of any new or developing lesion, self-examinations are helpful. To perform your self-examination you will need a full-length mirror, a hand mirror, and a brightly lit room. Family members can also assist in regular self-examinations, especially for the back.