5 Ways to Prevent Skin Cancer — Page 5

See your doctor regularly.

See your doctor regularly.

When you have a regular check-up, make sure your doctor looks you over for any signs of skin cancer you might have missed. Your doctor can catch pre-cancerous or early-stage skin cancer during a routine exam.

If you’re taking prescription medications, ask about side effects, including those that could impact your skin. Certain medications, including antibiotics and hormones, can make your skin more sensitive to damage from the sun and may require extra protection. In addition, drugs that suppress your immune system to treat some diseases may increase your risk for skin cancer, requiring extra vigilance about changes in your skin.

You may be concerned about having a low level of vitamin D from reducing your sun exposure, but getting only 5 to 30 minutes of sunshine twice a week is enough to maintain normal levels of vitamin D. Many foods are good sources, as well, including fatty fish, mushrooms, and milk. The NCI advises talking with your doctor if you are interested in taking vitamin D supplements.  

For more information on how to prevent skin cancer — and how to recognize possible skin cancer symptoms that should alert you to see your doctor — visit the NCI’s skin cancer information page.

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