7 Tips to Prevent Melanoma for High-Risk People
Learn how to reduce your risk of developing the most deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma.
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Over 15 years ago my mother died from melanoma aged 43, a few years after receiving her first diagnosis. She never used sun beds, in fact, I could never recall her even being the slightest bit sun burnt nor tanned. Yet melanoma found a way into her life and in a split-second our lives were changed.
Visually melanoma looks like an atypical mole, yet it is the most deadly type of skin cancer that is caused primarily by an overexposure to UV radiation. The sun emits UV radiation which is absorbed by our exposed skin, and we can see its effects on our skin through sunburn and tanning – both a result of the skin’s DNA damage from the UV radiation.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening if not caught early. For high-risk people, taking steps to prevent melanoma is essential. No cancer is 100% preventable, but with these 7 tips you will reduce your risk, especially if you’ve had a history of bad sunburn, have fair skin, or a family history of skin cancer.
1. Limit Your Exposure to UV Rays
Stay Out of the Sun During Peak Hours
The sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so try to stay indoors or seek shade during these hours. If you’re outside, find a tree, umbrella, or shaded area to protect yourself. Of course, if its winter and you are in the UK, you can forget this tip. But if you’re on your summer holiday in Spain where the UV radiation is intense, this is the simplest, yet most effective tip you can implement.
Watch Out for Reflected UV Rays
UV rays can bounce off surfaces like water, sand, and even snow, increasing your exposure. Be mindful of this, especially if you’re at the beach or on holiday.
Remember UV Rays Penetrate Windows
Driving the car? Just remember you’re still exposed to UV rays since they can pass through windows and damage your skin just like being outside.
2. Build a Habit of Wearing Sun Cream
Choose a Broad Sprectrum Sun Cream with SPF 30 or Higher
Many people don’t know this, but SPF doesn’t protect against UVA rays – that’s right, many of the sun creams you thought were protecting you, are actually letting through 95% of the cancer-causing UV rays. The SPF rating only corresponds to the protection against UVB rays.
What you need is a 5-star broad-spectrum sun cream that will also protect you against UVA rays. An SPF of at least 30 is recommended for daily use, even on cloudy days. If you really want to be on the safe side, get yourself an SPF 100 sun cream, or better yet, get yourself sun protective clothing (more on this later).
Reapply Sun Cream Every Two Hours
Everyone forgets to reapply sun cream after 2 hours or after swimming, don’t be one of them. Reapply sun cream religiously every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating, to ensure your skin stays protected throughout the day.
3. Wear Protective Clothing and Accessories
Opt for Long-Sleeve Shirts, Pants, and Hats
Covering up is one of the best ways to shield your skin from harmful UV rays. Wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved tops, and lightweight trousers can make a big difference. Equatorsun’s stylish range of sun protective clothing will give you the best possible protection.
Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them with UV400 rated sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection.
4. Avoid Indoor Tanning and Sunlamps
Understand the Risks of Tanning Beds
The dangers of sun beds are tremendously understated. Tanning beds expose your skin to concentrated UV rays far higher than you would typically receive from the sun. This unnatural dose of UV radiation significantly increases your risk of skin cancer.
Choose Safer Alternatives
Instead of a tanning bed, consider sunless tanning products like spray tans. They offer a healthy, sun-kissed look without any of the health risks associated with sun beds.
5. Regularly Conduct Skin Self-Exams
Check for Changes in Moles and Birthmarks
The sigh of relief you will get if got treated before the melanoma had spread is unfathomable. Hopefully you never even get into this position, but it is possible, and it is better to be prepared and catch it early.
Examine your skin monthly for any new moles, changes in size, shape, or colour, or any spots that itch or bleed. Early detection is key to preventing melanoma from spreading.
Learn to Spot the Signs of Melanoma
Remember the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: One half of a mole doesn’t match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
- Colour: Varies from one area to another.
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or colour over time.
6. Get Annual Skin Checkups with a Dermatologist
Schedule Regular Skin Exams
I have been doing this for years and I have had multiple suspicious moles cut out, fortunately they weren’t cancerous, but they could have developed into cancer down the line. Not to mention a check-up with the doctor will put your mind at rest.
A yearly check-up with a dermatologist is essential for high-risk individuals. These professionals can identify any suspicious spots and act early. The latest technology at many dermatologists will allow them to map your moles using photography and use this to determine any changes over time.
Visit the Doctor Sooner if Needed
If you notice anything unusual on your skin, don’t wait for your annual exam. See a dermatologist immediately.
7. Educate and Protect Children from Sun Damage
Teach Kids the Importance of Sun Protection
5 or more blistering sun burns before the age of 20 will increase a child’s risk of melanoma by 80% - which is significant considering melanoma is already the top 4 most prevalent cancer amongst adolescents. Highlighting why it is so important to protect children’s skin from a young age.
Children’s skin naturally has less melanin and therefore it is more sensitive to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Consequently, children need a heightened level of sun protection, in addition to education about the dangers of overexposure to the sun.
Use Sun Cream and Protective Clothing for Kids
Ensure to apply sun cream to their skin and dress them in UV protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses. Equatorsun which offers children’s sun-protective clothing to keep little ones safe and comfortable.
FAQs
The first signs of melanoma can include a new mole, a change in an existing mole, or an unusual spot on your skin. Follow the ABCDE rule to identify concerning changes and see a dermatologist if you notice anything unusual.
While sun cream significantly reduces your risk, it doesn’t prevent melanoma entirely. It’s just one part of a broader sun safety strategy that includes wearing UV protective clothing and limiting sun exposure.
Sadly not! Prevention is the best option. Always wear sun cream on exposed skin and try Equatorsun’s sun protective clothing to minimise UV exposure and reduce your risk of developing skin cancer and in particular, melanoma.
Equatorsun offers stylish, high-quality sun-protective clothing that blocks harmful UV rays, keeping your skin safe while you enjoy the outdoors. Browse our collection at equatorsun.com for options for the whole family.