Skin cancer can develop in any part of the body but often, it develops on skin that is more exposed to the UV radiation. People of all skin tones are at a risk of developing skin cancer. Read more about skin cancer here.
In order to prevent skin cancer, it is highly recommended that people should reduce their exposure to ultraviolet rays. Following are the preventive measures one must follow to avoid the development of skin cancer:
Skin care:
- Avoid direct contact with the sun between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Wearing hats or caps, UV-blocking sunglasses, long sleeves clothes and full pants are advised
- During extreme hot days, especially in the summer, seek shade when outdoors
- When staying out in the sun for more than 20 minutes, a water-resistant sunscreen with a SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher is recommended
- Sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection are recommended
- Avoid sunburns, as people with sunburns are at a higher risk of developing skin cancer
- Tanning booths and beds which use UV light are strictly not recommended
- Infants and kids are not recommended to be exposed to direct sunlight
- Consult a doctor for any suspicious spots
- Periodic skin checks with a dermatologist, at least once a year are advised.
Including Antioxidants in the diet:
A lot of healthy food have to be included in ones diet in order to prevent deadly diseases especially skin cancer. Following are the must haves in your diet that will prevent you from developing skin cancer:
Beta Carotene:
This nutrient, found in the orange coloured vegetables and fruits, boosts the immune system of the body which makes it resistant enough not to develop cancer. It works by converting into vitamin A, which is very useful for staying resistant from diseases.
Lycopene:
Intake of lycopene avoid sunburns, which leads to prevention of skin cancer. This protection is given by the red pigment that the fruits and vegetables have with this antioxidant.
Omega-2 fatty acids:
These acids release COX-2 chemicals that help in preventing skin cancer. Also they help reducing information caused due to cancers. They are often found in seafood and dry fruits.
Polyphenols in tea:
Consuming green tea involves the consumption of polyphenols which are very powerful plant chemicals that help in oxidising the body along with preventing inflammation and tumors. They are also found to repair the UV triggered damaged DNA to help prevent skin cancer.
Selenium:
This contains a very rich mineral that helps prevent skin cancer and even lower the risk of developing recurrent skin cancers after active treatment. It is found in Brazil nuts and meat.
Vitamin C:
Vitamin C contains certain properties the there are extremely toxic for the cancer cells to grow. This prevents the growth of cancer cells and deaths. It is found in a lot of fruits and vegetables like oranges, raspberries, broccoli, green leafy vegetables, strawberries, lime and bell peppers.
Vitamin D:
The properties of vitamin D improve the immunity of the person helping them to resist the development of cancer. It also reduces the risk of developing skin cancer. On exposure to the sun, the skin produces vitamin D as a protection to the skin from the powerful UVA and UVB rays, which is why supplements of vitamin D and consuming food rich in this vitamin is very important in order to avoid skin cancer.
Vitamin E:
This rich antioxidant protects the skin from the free radicals and by observing the energy from the UV light. It also prevents inflammation and tumors in order to prevent skin cancer. However, extra dosage of this vitamin leads to bleeding and bruising of which the patients have to take care. It is found in dry fruits, fruit seeds, green leafy vegetables and soya beans.