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5 Ways to Protect Yourself From Skin Cancer

Oct 21 2014 - 11:36am

For the third time this year, Hugh Jackman [1] is being treated for basal cell carcinoma [2], a form of skin cancer. Throughout his treatments, Hugh has been vocal about the importance of shielding your skin from UV rays, telling fans via Instagram, "Please don't be foolish like me. Get checked. And USE sunscreen!!!"

You might like being golden brown from a tan, but prolonged sun exposure can have serious risks that go beyond a sunburn. The most common form of cancer is skin cancer, which is a shame, since it's highly preventable. Fortunately, it's also very treatable, although deaths still do occur from the disease. Jackman is proof that more protection from the sun could have prevented him from the cancer he must treat now. Here are five easy ways to keep yourself safe from the disease.

Source: Getty / Walter McBride [3]

Always Wear Sunscreen

One of the biggest defenses against the sun's harmful rays is wearing sunscreen [4] every day. Choose a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 and one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. This is also true when looking for eye creams and lip balms.

Keep It Covered

Another defense against the sun is to keep yourself covered. Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face, and sunglasses to protect the delicate skin around your eyes. Also, the more clothing you wear, the better protected you are. If you're at the beach, consider wearing a cover-up while lying out, and look for clothes that are made with sun-protecting fabrics.

Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself

Because the cells of some moles can turn into skin cancer, make it a habit to look for suspicious-looking moles on your body. If you're not sure what to look for, follow the A,B,C,D,E rule [5] — it tests for color, size, and appearance. Make an appointment with a dermatologist immediately if you find anything that seems off.

Forget What Jersey Shore Taught You

Baking in a tanning bed is a serious no-no, right up there with arsenic and mustard gas. The UV radiation can lead to skin cancer, and people who start using sunbeds before age 35 increase their risk of skin cancer [6] by 75 percent. If you want a sun-kissed glow, opt for a spray tan instead.

Stay Shady

Another way to protect yourself from the sun's rays is to keep yourself in shaded areas, like under a tree or umbrella. Since the sun's rays are most damaging between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. [7], limit your exposure during this time period.


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https://www.popsugar.com/fitness/5-Ways-Prevent-Skin-Cancer-8420758