Defense against future skin cancer

The most important thing you can do to lessen the possibility of developing future skin cancers is to protect your skin from further sun damage. This is easily achieved by the daily application of sunscreens to all exposed skin, including the tops of the ears. You also may wish to obtain further protection by wearing a broad-brimmed hat and appropriate protective clothing.

Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outdoors. It may wash off with water or heavy perspiration, so be sure to reapply a sunscreen after swimming or exercise, and use a sunscreen labeled “waterproof.”

A number of excellent sunscreens are available. Whatever sunscreen you choose, it should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, but preferably higher.