Statistics reveal that every hour a person dies of skin cancer in some part of the world. Ritambhara tells us how we can avoid it in three ways, in her weekly column, exclusively in Different Truths.

We all love to have a flawless skin and look good. We spend a lot of time and effort in the process, but the irony is we tend to overlook the factors responsible for skin cancer. Statistics reveal that every hour a person dies of skin cancer in some part of the world. Cancer of any form is curable if detected at an early stage. There are a plenty of easy ways, we can protect ourselves against skin cancer. Mentioned below are the three best easy ways to stay safe and healthy. 

1. Seek Shelter Under Shade, Wear Protective Clothing and Generously Apply Sunblock with Good SPF

 As we all know the rays of the sun are the strongest from around 10 in the morning to 4 in the evening; we should take care of our skin during these hours. Avoid the direct sun rays by wearing clothing that fully covers your body and of course the headgears and sunglasses should not be missed. Also, make sure you apply a sunblock with good Sun Protection Factor (SPF 30 preferably) when you go out in the sun to protect yourself from the cancer-causing ultra-violet rays. The sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before moving out in the sun. Do not forget to reapply it every two hours if you have to move in the sun. 

2. Say No To Intentional Burn or Tanning Beds

 The ultra-violet rays, be it from the sun or the tanning beds, should be avoided as these are known to cause skin wrinkling and cancer.

3. Take Vitamin D Supplement and get Screened by a Doctor Regularly

The early morning sunrays are crucial for the synthesis of vitamin D. Do take advantage of those crucial hours and take vitamin D supplement and follow a healthy diet. Early revelation can save your life. So, examine your entire skin head-to-toe at least once a month in a well-lighted room and get a new changing spot or mole evaluated immediately by your doctor.

Apart from the points mentioned above, extra caution should be taken when near water bodies, sand or snow as they reflect the ultra-violet rays and aggravate the probability of sunburn or skin cancer. 

©Ritambhara Kumari Upadhyay 

Photos from the Internet

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Ritambhara K Upadhyay

A Panjab University, IIT- Roorkee, and IIRS-ISRO alumnus, academician, and researcher, Ritambhara is a writer by choice. Her passion for reading and writing has impelled her to foray into the world of writing. As a freelance writer and editor, she loves to pen-down whatever comes to her mind. She staunchly believes, "Truth doesn't admit any impediments."

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