Over 1,000,000 skin cancer cases are diagnosed every year. Before I delve more into the topic, I would like to show you some figures (source: cdc.gov website):

1] 30,544 men and 23,248 women were diagnosed with melanoma in 2005 in the United States

2] In 2005, 5,283 men and 3,062 women died of skin cancer in the United States alone

Figures are frightening, aren’t they? However, there is a word of relief too. Research has proved that people can avoid skin cancer by taking adequate protection from UV ray.

Few facts about Skin Cancer:

1] Symptoms of skin cancer may not be visible immediately after the victim gets exposed to excessive sunlight and ultraviolet rays; it may take years for the symptoms to become prominent. Hence, even if there is no visible sign of skin cancer on your body, you may have been victimised already. Take all the precautions; negligence can be detrimental to your health.

2] Children are more vulnerable because they get engaged in more outdoor activities than adults. It has been reported that more than 50% of total sunlight exposure of an adult takes place in childhood. Hence, take due care of your children. Consult a dermatologist to know about skin cancer prevention; prevention is always better than cure.

However, it does not mean that adults do not need protection. All individuals must follow whatever is needed to protect themselves from this deadly disease.

3] There are two types of Ultraviolet rays UVA and UVB. Recent study shows that both can cause skin cancer. Hence, it is suggested to take adequate protection to prevent both types of UV rays.

4] UV ray is not the only cause of skin cancer. Some people may inherit the disease from their parents and ancestors. Such cancers take place when children inherit abnormal genes from parents and as a result of which skin cells start growing abnormally – in a malignant order.

5] Three types of skin cancer are there: Basal Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma. Skin cancer treatment depends on the type of cancer you are suffering from.

How to protect yourself from UV rays:

Avoid sunlight from 10 am through 4 pm as much as possible – this is the time period when sunlight remains strongest in summer. If you avoid sunlight you are safe. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to avoid UV 100%. You may need to go out in the sun in summer; in such cases, wear something protective that helps you pass up UV rays.

Use sunscreens to protect your skin from sun burn and blisters. UV rays not only cause cancer, but it may damage your skin irreversibly and can make your skin look older than your actual age. Sunscreens with UV protection can help you avoid sunburn and skin cancer as well.

You can also consult dermatologists to know how to protect your family and yourself from skin cancer; they may prescribe something suitable for the climate you live in.