Skin Cancer, Melanoma

Prevention

There are many risk factors for developing melanoma. The risk factor you can best control to reduce your risk of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Some experts believe that 65% or more of melanoma is caused by exposure to the sun, especially during childhood.⁹

Do the following to help prevent skin cancer:

• Protect your skin.
  • Stay out of the sun during the midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
  • Wear protective clothing. This includes a hat with a brim to shade your ears and neck, a shirt with sleeves to cover your shoulders, and pants. The best fabric for skin protection has a tight weave to keep sunlight out.
  • Use daily a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Look for a sunscreen that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation in the sun's rays—UVA and UVB.
  • Use a higher SPF when you are at higher elevations.
  • Set a good example for your children by always using sunscreen and wearing protective clothing.
• Avoid sunbathing and tanning salons. Studies suggest that UV rays from artificial sources such as tanning beds and sunlamps are just as dangerous as those from the sun.¹⁰
• Examine your skin regularly, and have your doctor check your skin during all other health exams, or at least once a year.

For more information, see:

Skin cancer: Protecting your skin.

People who live in warm, sunny climates or who have jobs that require them to be outdoors most of the time have a higher risk of developing melanoma. People who burn rather than tan, especially those who have red hair or blue eyes, also have a high risk and should take extra precautions to prevent melanoma.

Some people feel that a tan may protect against a sunburn and thus protect against skin damage and skin cancer. But if you do not tan easily, the amount of sun exposure needed to get a tan will cause excessive skin damage and outweigh any possible benefit from having a tan.

For more information about prevention of melanoma, see the following topics:

• Skin cancer, melanoma — Patient Information (Prevention) — [NCI PDQ]
• Skin cancer, melanoma — Health Professional Information (Prevention) — [NCI PDQ]

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: December 5, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
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