Cancer and Healthy

The leading cause of skin cancer is over exposure to sunlight. The reason for this is that it is virtually impossible to stay out of the sunlight and an attitude that a suntan is a sign of health and vitality. This article will elaborate on the cause of skin cancer and ways to prevent it spreading.

The Sun produces two forms of ultraviolet radiation that is thought to be the carcinogen that causes cancer. These are UVA and UVB radiation. They are both ultra violet radiation but have different wavelengths. Initially it was though that UVA was the only cause but recent research suggests that UVB is just as bad.

So there are two strategies to preventing skin cancer. Limit the amount of time that you spend in the Sun. Avoid being in the Sun when it is hottest (midday). If you can't avoid being in the Sun at this time or are frequently outdoors, then take precautions to limit the damage that UV rays can do to your skin. The second strategy is to change people's ideas that a sun tan is fashionable and healthy.

Taking precautions when in the Sun is relatively straightforward. Try to cover your skin in protective clothing as much as possible. This means wearing a wide brimmed hat. It also means wearing protective clothing.

Traditional Bedouin clothing is the perfect example of protecting your skin from the sun. Nearly every part of the body is covered apart from the eyes and hands. Whilst this is not really practical in western societies, wearing long sleeved garments, loose fitting, light trousers, long length skirts or dresses is possible.

You should also look at protecting the eyes with a good pair of sunglasses, as the eyes are just as susceptible to ultraviolet radiation.

Using Sunscreen is also important. Get a good 30%2B SP factor sunscreen. Apply it to parts of the body that will not be covered when in the Sun. Specifically the face and hands. Apply it before you get into the Sun.

All these things are easy to do but people either forget or ignore this advice. Quite often it can take years of spending time in the Sun without any precautions before a skin cancer develops. By this stage of course it is too late to do anything about it. Fortunately most skin cancers are easily treated but why get to this stage in the first place.