Prevention of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer

The cornerstone of preventing skin cancer is limiting your exposure to sun. Ways to do that include:

• Use sunscreen. It’s important to follow the sunscreen label’s instructions on how much to apply to your skin, and how often to re-apply it.
• Wear a hat.
• Wear clothes that cover your skin. Cover your arms with long sleeves and your legs with long pants. Light-colored clothes can keep you cooler.

Once a patient has had skin cancer, there is probably a higher risk of getting it again. There is about 40 to 60 percent chance of developing another skin cancer, so limiting your sun exposure is important. Seeing a dermatologist at least once a year for a skin exam is also important.