WHEN it comes to cancer, breast cancer is one of the common cancers that people are aware of.
They know its symptoms but there are also other cancers that people need to take note of such as skin cancer.
Skin cancer is abnormal growth of skin cells that develop on the skin exposed to the sun.
Skin damage is caused by prolonged outdoor exposure.
But even those who don’t get burnt by the sun are at risk of developing skin cancer.
The Skin Cancer Foundation urges people to protect their skin against the sun.
The following measures are recommended as a precaution:
Stay in the shade, especially between 10am and 4pm.
Don’t get sun-burnt.
Avoid tanning, and never use ultraviolet tanning beds.
Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.) Use a broad-spectrum ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily.
For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad- spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
Apply two tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
Keep newborns out of the sun. Use sunscreen on babies over the age of six months.
Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
See a dermatologist at least once a year for a professional skin exam.
The following foods, which can help prevent skin cancer, are highly recommended
Eat lots of blueberries.
They’re rich in powerful antioxidants that fight off free radicals that damage the skin due to sun exposure and stress.
Watermelon juice consumption can serve as a natural sunblock.
Green tea, carrots and cauliflower also help protect the skin from sun damage.
