| Many people want to learn how to prevent | | | | reaching the Earth at any given time. The higher |
| cancer as they age. The reality of skin cancer | | | | the number, the more quickly the damage to the |
| however, is that one of the highest risks of | | | | skin could occur. A higher UV index does not |
| developing it is over exposure to harmful UV | | | | mean more damage, it means faster damage. |
| radiation from the sun in infancy; the cumulative | | | | Understanding Skin Specific Risk Factors |
| exposure to UVA and UVB radiation over many | | | | UV rays damage the skin of every person, no |
| years slowly changes the DNA in the skin cells | | | | matter the different skin characteristics. However, |
| which my increase the risk of it leading to one of | | | | it is important to note that fairer skin can burn |
| the three types of skin cancer if you are in a high | | | | more quickly thus leading to faster skin damage if |
| risk category. | | | | the skin is left unprotected. Other risk factors |
| One million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed | | | | include a previous history of melanoma, freckles |
| each year in the United States alone and while the | | | | and living at higher altitudes. Many prescription |
| sun is a major causal factor, avoiding the sun | | | | medications also increase the risk. |
| altogether is not a particularly viable option. | | | | Children, babies and the elderly are especially |
| The Healthy Power of the Sun | | | | prone to skin damage caused by the sun. |
| The sun is the source of heat and life on Earth. | | | | Preventing this skin damage is the most important |
| The rays help the body to naturally produce | | | | factor in preventing skin cancer. Suntans and |
| vitamin D, which is required to sustain life. Outdoor | | | | sunburns are both skin damage that can cause |
| activities can be used as exercise which is also | | | | skin cancer, but are not the sole cause of skin |
| important, so preventing this disease is about | | | | cancer. UV rays can damage the skin, especially |
| more than just avoiding the sun. | | | | newer and thinner skin without burning or tanning. |
| Sunscreens can block some of the UVA and UVB | | | | Back to the Baby Years |
| rays from damaging the skin. The use of | | | | Children who are taught good skin habits take |
| sunscreen should start at birth and continue for | | | | those habits with them for a lifetime. Parents can |
| the rest of your life. Many people choose to use | | | | teach their children how to prevent skin cancer |
| sunscreen only during the hot months of the | | | | with good skin care and the regular use of |
| year, when sun damage is more noticeable in the | | | | sunscreen. Children and adults should also wear |
| form of sunburn and suntans. Winter poses a UV | | | | hats and sunglasses when going outdoors and limit |
| threat aswell; while the UV index may be lower, | | | | the time spent in direct sunlight during the mid-day |
| the sun's rays bounce off snowfall and can cause | | | | hours, between 10 AM and 4PM. This is the time |
| skin damage. | | | | of the day when the UV index will be the highest. |
| The UV index is another huge factor. The UV | | | | This article is copyright but may be reprinted |
| index offers a guideline to the danger level of the | | | | provided the links and resource box stay intact |
| sun. The UV index rates the amount of UV | | | | and legible. |