Prevention

Primary prevention is inhibiting the development of disease before it occurs and in the case of Skin Cancers it consists mainly of limiting the amount of UV exposure.

There are different types of sun exposure. The first is incidental sun exposure that is spent outdoors on sunny days for the purpose of travel and /or routine activities of daily living. The second is recreational sun exposure which takes place when people are enjoying recreational or sports activities outdoors in the sun. The third type of sun exposure is occupational sun exposure which is occurs in people working outdoors (farmer, fisherman, life guard, postal or maintenance working etc.). Finally, the fourth type of sun exposure is intentional sun exposure with the goal of getting a suntan. Since more than two decades, achieving a tan may also be obtained by the use of indoor tanning whose popularity is still increasing and has become widespread in the United States and Europe.

 

Sun protection behaviours that promote primary prevention are mainly described in three main categories: using sunscreen, covering up (wearing hats and protective clothing) and seeking shade.

 

The goal of secondary prevention is to identify and detect skin cancer in its earliest stages offering thus the possibility of better management. This can be promoted by self examination, knowing your own risk factors and visiting your dermatologist regularly for a skin check-up!