Avoid skin cancer Dark clothing & sunscreen

The skin cancer risk can be reduced by simple measures

08/18/2014

The number of patients treated for skin cancer in German hospitals has increased by a quarter in the last five years, reports the news agency „dpa“ citing the information provided by the Federal Statistical Office. Efficient sun protection would significantly reduce the risk of illness, but many Germans still roast directly in the midday sun without sunscreen.

Body-covering, dark clothing and thorough creaming of the uncovered skin with a sunscreen offer according to the announcement of the „dpa“ a relatively good protection against the dangerous UV rays of the sun. Thus, the risk of developing skin cancer can be significantly reduced by simple means. Dark clothing is preferable to light clothing because the latter retain less of the UV radiation. Generally taboo should according to the announcement of „dpa“ sunbathing directly in the midday sun.

Prevent the skin cancer by sunscreen
UV radiation is known to be a major risk factor for skin cancer. Pronounced sunbathing without adequate sunscreen is therefore considered one of the main reasons for the development of various skin cancers. However, minimizing sun exposure, appropriate clothing and thorough sunscreen lotioning can help prevent the risk relatively effectively. When applying the sunscreen should, according to the announcement of the „dpa“ be taken to ensure that the sunburn-prone so-called sun terraces on the body are sufficiently covered. Especially ears, bridge of nose, shoulders, cheeks, neck, back of hand and foot should be considered here.

Clothes with different light transmission
With reference to the German Cancer Aid and the Working Group Dermatological Prevention (ADP) reports the „dpa“ Furthermore, when choosing the clothes the different light transmission of different garments should be considered. Because not every textile protects equally well. For example, a light white T-shirt or cotton shirt offers limited UV protection. About one tenth of the UV rays are transmitted, which corresponds to a so-called Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 10. On the other hand, dark clothing made of dense fabric offers a UPF of 20, with only one twentieth of the UV rays reaching the skin.

Take skin cancer check-ups
In order to recognize skin cancer as early as possible and thus to increase the chances of a successful therapy, the statutory health insurances offer a health check-up to all insured persons from the age of 35, which can be repeated every two years. During the examination, the entire skin is examined superficially and a review of the mucous membranes made, reports the news agency „dpa“ citing the cancer information service in Heidelberg. Should a skin cancer suspicion arise in the course of the examination, this should be clarified urgently with the specialist or dermatologist and, if necessary, further treatment be initiated. (Fp)