What Researchers Are Doing About Skin Cancer and How to Prevent It

by | Jul 5, 2022 | Blog | 0 comments

If you worry about how spending time in the sun can affect you, you’re right to be concerned. In fact, the most common type of cancer is skin cancer. Read on to gain a clearer understanding of skin cancer and tips on how to prevent it.

Skin Cancer is Widespread

Over five million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S. alone. This makes it the most common type of cancer. And in the last decades, rates have only been rising. In addition, the worst type of skin cancer is melanoma.

Researchers are Working Hard

For one, Jennifer Mason is a Clemson assistant professor of genetics and biochemistry who received a $792,000 research scholar grant. She’s studying a DNA repair protein called FBH1 and how skin cancer contains FBH1 mutations. Her work involves gaining an understanding of the preventative role of FBH1 in relation to cancer formation.

Tips to Prevent Skin Cancer

Two ways to reduce your chances of getting skin cancer are to avoid indoor tanning and protect yourself from the sun’s harsh rays. Taking care of your skin isn’t only for summer, it’s an all-year commitment. Consider a few tips to prevent skin cancer.

  • Smooth on a thick layer of broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on all exposed skin.
  • Wear appropriate clothing to protect yourself, such as long skirts and pants, and long-sleeved shirts.
  • You can reduce your risk of cataracts due to UV rays by wearing wrap-around sunglasses that block UVB and UVA rays.
  • Try staying in the shade under a tree, umbrella, or another area. Remember to wear protective clothing or use sunscreen.
  • Wear a hat with a wide brim that provides shade to the back of your neck, ears, and face. Sunlight can penetrate holes in straw hats, so consider a darker hat for extra protection.

Given these points, taking care of your skin is one of the most important ways to stay healthy. Indeed, educating yourself about the causes of skin cancer and taking preventative measures are smart ways to avoid problems. Besides this, it can also be helpful to inform your friends and family about how to prevent skin cancer.