Check Your Risk for Skin Cancer
Are you prone to sun damage?
Limit Exposure to UV RaysBefore spending time outdoors, we all should: Slip on a long-sleeved shirt, pants or other clothing to cover as much skin as possible. Slop on sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Follow the directions and be generous — about 1 ounce for an adult’s arms, legs, neck and face. Most sunscreens should be reapplied at least every two hours. Slap on a hat with a brim. Wrap on a pair of shades that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. (Source: American Cancer Society) |
Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, and much of this exposure comes from the sun. People with light skin are much more likely to suffer sun damage and sunburns, which are thought to increase the risk of skin cancer, especially melanoma. But darker-skinned people also can be affected.
Besides skin tone, other factors also can affect your risk of UV damage. According to the American Cancer Society, you should take special care in the sun if you:
- Have lots of moles, large moles or irregular moles.
- Have freckles and burn before tanning.
- Have fair skin or blond, red or light brown hair.
- Have been treated for skin cancer.
- Have a family history of skin cancer, especially melanoma.
- Spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Vacation or live at high altitudes (UV radiation increases 4 to 5 percent for every 1,000 feet above sea level) or in tropical or subtropical climates.
- Have certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus.
- Have had an organ transplant.
- Take birth control pills.
- Take naproxen sodium or certain other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
- Take tetracycline, sulfa drugs or certain other antibiotics.
- Take medicines that lower your immunity.
- Take phenothiazines (major tranquilizers and anti-nausea drugs).
- Take tricyclic antidepressants.
- Take thiazide diuretics (medicines used for high blood pressure and some heart conditions).
- Take sulfonylureas (a form of oral anti-diabetic medication).
Ask your doctor, nurse or pharmacist whether any drugs you take can increase your sunlight sensitivity. Even if they do, keep taking your pills and reduce your risks by following recommended precautions for sun safety.
