Skin Cancer Prevention
Even though sun exposure and family history can increase the risk of skin cancer, there are several measures that you can undertake to decrease your risks. Since multiple studies have shown that the amount of lifetime sun exposure is the number one risk factor for skin cancer, most of the preventive methods aim to avoid the damage due to daily sun exposure.
Avoidance of sun exposure
Obviously, avoidance of sun exposure is the simplest way to reduce the risk of skin cancer. This of course, does not mean living a nocturnal lifestyle. It is simply advised that if you are outside, you should cover exposed skin. For example, a hat can cover the face from direct rays of the sun in order to protect the face and the scalp. However, avoidance is not always a feasible option. Therefore, other preventive measures can and should be employed.
Sunscreens/Sun blocks
Often dubbed as the "fountain of youth," a properly selected sun block or sunscreen, used daily, is the simplest and most effective way to protect the skin from sun damage. It is important to understand the various types of products available to you commercially and through your physician's office in order to choose the material that is best for your skin. You may use the information on this website to make the appropriate selection for yourself or come in for a consultation to determine the best product for your skin.
How to Choose a Correct Sunscreen or Sun Block
Sunscreen versus Sunblock
Sunscreens absorb ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, decreasing the penetration into the skin. Sunblocks reflect the sun's UV rays back into the environment and block their penetration into the skin.
UVA versus UVB rays
UVB rays have been linked to skin redness, sunburns and skin cancers. UVA rays are associated with sunspots, increased aging as well as skin cancers. Historically, sunscreens and sunblocks have protected against UVB rays. Recently, sunscreens have been developed to also block UVA rays.
Sunburn Protection Factor (SPF)
- If you have used any type of sun block or sunscreen, you have heard of the terminology "SPF". SPF stands for "Sunburn Protection Factor". The best way to understand this number is in terms of minutes. For example, SPF 30 allows the same amount of the sun's UVB to penetrate the skin in 30 minutes as it would in 1 minute without any protection. Therefore, the higher the SPF amount, the longer it will take for the skin to react to the sun's UVB radiations.
Values greater than SPF 50 cannot be substantiated with today's laboratory testing methods. However, SPF does not comment on the level of protection against the UVA radiations, although some products may have a separate star rating system for UVA protection.
No sun block or sunscreen is capable of blocking all of the sun's radiation.
Proper Use
- Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen at least 30 minutes before expected sun exposure
- Re-apply every 2 hours or after swimming, showering or sweating excessively
- Apply even on cloudy days, as the sun's UV rays can penetrate the cloud layers
- Apply in all people ages 6 months and up
- Use daily
The type of sunscreen you should use depends on your skin type and amount of sun exposure. For day-to-day use, an SPF of 15 is sufficient. If prolonged exposure to sun is expected, higher SPF's are recommended.
- At our facilities we have a number of medical grade sunscreens available for use. For further details please contact us for a free consultation or visit our online store for purchase of these products.
Lotions and Creams
Although many cosmeceutical products are available in the market, few have demonstrated the ability to improve the risk of developing skin cancer. Our surgeons at Osborne Head and Neck Institute are among the few in the country to have shown scientifically that certain types of topical skin products have the ability to decrease the likelihood of developing skin cancers. We are one of the few locations that have this product available for our patients. For further information please visit our online store.
