The New Rules of Skin Cancer Prevention: Beyond Sunscreen
7/7/2025
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, with millions of cases diagnosed every year. While sunscreen remains a cornerstone of protection, experts are now urging a broader approach to keeping your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays.
"Sunscreen is important, but it's only part of the strategy," says Karen Ripley, family nurse practitioner at Lakeside Physicians in Stephenville, Texas. "Protective clothing, shade and timing your outdoor activities are equally critical."
Why Prevention Matters
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning beds increases the risk of all types of skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and the deadliest form, melanoma. Early detection and prevention are crucial because when caught early, skin cancer is highly treatable.
Beyond the Bottle: Smarter Protection Strategies
- Clothing Counts: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats.
- Seek Shade: Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest.
- Sunglasses Matter: Protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around them.
- Choose the Right Sunscreen: Look for "broad-spectrum" protection with an SPF of 30 or higher, and reapply every two hours.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: They significantly increase the risk of melanoma, particularly for young people.
Monthly Skin Checks Save Lives
Regularly checking your skin can help detect changes early. Use the "ABCDEs" to evaluate moles:
- Asymmetry: One half doesn't match the other.
- Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
- Color: Varied colors within the same mole.
- Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color.
If you spot a suspicious mole or skin change, don't wait. "Anything new, changing, or unusual should be evaluated by a healthcare provider," says Ripley. "Skin cancer caught early can often be cured with a simple outpatient procedure."
Tips for a Sun-Smart Lifestyle:
- Make sun protection part of your daily routine, even on cloudy days.
- Keep sunscreen in your car, bag or desk for easy reapplication.
- Remember that water, sand and snow reflect sunlight and increase UV exposure.
- Consider UPF-rated clothing for extended outdoor activities.
A Note for Families
Children’s skin is especially vulnerable to UV damage. A few blistering sunburns in childhood can double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
Model sun-safe behavior and make it a family habit.
Bottom Line
Sun safety is about more than just a summer beach day. It’s an everyday, year-round commitment to protecting your health. By taking smart precautions now, you can greatly reduce your risk of skin cancer later—and keep your skin looking younger, too.
For more information on skin cancer prevention, please call Karen Ripley’s office at (254) 459-7129 or visit Karen online at https://lakegranburymedical.com/KarenRipley to conveniently schedule an appointment.
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