Avoid sun, avoid skin cancer.....

Skin cancer is the most common kind of cancer, and its incidence is increasing. The #1 defense against skin cancer is prevention. When you are outdoors, follow these guidelines:

Stay away from the midday sun and its intense rays. Try to schedule outdoor activities before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m. Wear a T-shirt and a hat - use clothing to protect your face, arms and legs. Use sunblock lotion with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher. Cover your skin thoroughly with the protective lotion and reapply after swimming or sweating. Examine your skin for any abnormalities. Seek medical treatment if you notice any changes. Sunscreen and melanoma: Sunscreen prevents sunburn, which is the cause of basal cell and

squamous cell carcinomas, the most common forms of skin cancer. So you should wear sunscreen if you have to be outdoors. However, don't rely on sunscreen to prevent melanoma. The only way to protect yourself against melanoma is to stay out of the sun's harmful rays. This is especially important if you have fair skin, light hair or eyes.

What you may not know? Clouds will not protect you. Harmful rays still penetrate overcast skies. You can get sunburned, and you can damage your skin. Water will not protect you. Even though your skin feels cool in the water, the sun's rays can penetrate up to three feet of water. You're still in danger. Cooler temperatures will not protect you. Even in the winter, sunny days can cause sunburn. The incidence of melanoma has more than doubled during the past 20 years. Protect yourself by recognizing the signs of disease, avoiding the sun and visiting a physician on a routine basis.