Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world.
Sunburn causes 95% of melanomas, which is the most deadly form of skin cancer. Exposure is also responsible for 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers. Sun exposure that does not result in a sunburn can still cause damage to skin cells and increase your risk of developing skin cancer. This exposure also includes tanning and use of solariums.
How to Prevent Skin Cancer
The best protection against skin cancer is to use a combination of as many of the following measures as possible:
- Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much of your exposed skin as possible.
- Use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that is an SPF30+.
- Apply sunscreen liberally 20 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply ever two hours.
- Wear a hat.
- Seek out shade, but know that you can still have sun exposure in the shade.
- Wear protective sunglasses.
- Adding a tinted film to your car windows can reduce your exposure to UV radiation.