Did you know that almost 2 in every 3 Australians will develop skin cancer before turning 70? Research shows that new cases of non-melanoma cancers and full body screening are also rising by 2-6% annually! That’s how rampant skin cancer has become. The number of patients increases every year and it's time to sit up and take notice.
If you are unsure about whether to take preventive measures, you should understand that taking care of the skin is as important as taking care of your overall health. Skin is the largest body organ and the growth of cancerous cells in it will impact every organ eventually. 
The good news is that skin cancer is preventable if you understand the skin cancer risk and make efforts to keep yourself protected.
So, What are you Waiting for?
As the new year approaches, take these 3 steps to reduce skin cancer risk:
- Keep yourself covered: As simple as it sounds, the best way to keep skin cancer at bay is to keep your skin covered as far as possible. However, this doesn’t mean wearing just about anything that you can get your hands on. Choose denim materials that have a tight fit or synthetic clothes like polyester to guard against the sun’s harmful UV rays. Loosely-worn clothes and natural materials like cotton cannot offer as much protection. Try to wear broad-brimmed hats when you are out in the sun, on the beach, for instance. Use UV-blocking sunshades to protect the eyes and surrounding skin.
- Add sunscreen to your daily skincare regimen: Just as you use cleansers and moisturizers to pamper your skin, use good quality sunscreen for protection. Remember to choose sunscreens with a high SPF value as these are more effective. According to reports, sunscreens with SPF values of 15 and more can lower the chances of skin cancer (melanoma) by almost 50%! If you are going to be out in the sun for a long time, it’s best to choose a broad-spectrum, waterproof sunscreen formula with a 30 SPF or even higher. The sunscreen should ideally be applied half an hour before you step outside. The best way to be sure you found the right sunscreen is to search for brands having the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation.
- Get your skin checked: Opt for full body screening to be sure you are not at risk of developing melanoma. Skin cancers risk can be dangerous and disfiguring if they are not detected and treated on time. Early skin cancer detection improves the chances of a full recovery, because, when detected in the initial stages, they are highly treatable. According to reports, patients with early skin cancer detection of melanoma have a survival rate of almost 99% during the first 5 years. This can fall to 68% when cancer spreads to lymph nodes and organs.
Use these simple guidelines and advice to keep yourself protected from skin cancer risk and enjoy your time in the sun without worry!
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