Skin cancer is a disease where malignant cancer cells are formed on the outer layers of the skin or epidermis and then may even spread into the dermis. At least over a million people in US are affected by skin cancer now.

It is very important to know the important steps to prevent, symptoms and cure skin cancer. And especially since preventing it would give you greater protection and peace of mind, why not start with them?

• Reduce your risk of skin caner by avoiding sun in peak intensity. In most places it is between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  
  
• One must wear sunglasses and hat as well as adequate necessary sun protection while being out in peak hours. Using a sunscreen with a protection factor ranging from 15 to 30 is a must. Every 3 months or so it must be noted if your skin has got any new growth or development reported. In which case, a dermatologist must be immediately contacted.
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Body maps made by professional analysts are better than self examination. So every once in a while going for skin inspection is a good thing. If new moles suddenly keep appearing on skin then it must be noted. If suddenly you have a change of the tone and color of your skin then it must be checked with as well.
  
  
• The Skin Cancer
  Foundation suggests all to use good sunscreen as well as eat plenty of raw or green vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, etc which are naturally sun protective towards  the skin. One must also be aware of examining the scalp for understanding if any new growth or infection has occurred there or not. Often times skin cancer symptoms first appear at the back or the back side of legs and arms.
  
  
• However it must be borne in mind that not any type of skin infection is cancer. Often you might have a severe dermatitis or an allergy so just seeing anything patchy and scaly does not give you cancer! Only a professional dermatologist would be able to assess whether you have cancer or not. And the process might even require you going through some tests as well.
  
  
• Many a time skin cancer is perfectly cured, particularly if it occurs in a small patch and if it can be taken out. As far as when applying sun screen it is important that it should be literally slopped on to the body otherwise there aren’t ability for it to be absorbed by the body. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen well to obscured areas like nose, back of ears, hands, below your t-shirt if it is really hot outside and you would be out there walking or playing.
  
  
• Remember that sunscreens should be applied every 2 to 3 hours because the sweat tends to work on them off your skin. It is also important to reapply sunscreen after a swim or a bath or a work out. Sunbathing by the beach is never a healthy thing. Wearing long sleeved as well as loose garments are also essential to protect oneself from any scorch of the sun.
  
  
• The tighter the weave of a clothing the better suited it is for sun protection. If you are having contact dermatitis, itches etc. Learning to listen to our body is thus really important. So not only inside protection, outdoor protection is also essential along with taking sound doctor’s advice, in case it is necessary. There are always special products available that are sensitive enough for different types of skin.