As May marks Skin Cancer Awareness Month, TFS HealthScience, a global contract research organization (CRO), is dedicated to raising public awareness about the importance of sun safety. While enjoying the warmth of summer, it’s crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Skin cancer is a common form of cancer that affects more than three million people in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, nearly 6.1 million Americans reported being treated for a form of skin cancer, both malignant and benign. Contract research organizations (CROs) such as TFS contribute to raising awareness about diseases like skin cancer, while also aiding pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device companies in the exploration and development of novel treatments.

Learn more about skin cancer in this article here.  

With our combined expertise in oncology and dermatology research, these are our top tips for protecting your skin and preventing the threat of skin cancer. 

 

Top 8 Tips for Protecting Your Skin and Preventing Skin Cancer 

As summer approaches, sun-kissed skin is a staple, but what are the sun’s UV rays doing for your skin? While a golden tan might seem appealing, prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to serious skin damage, including sunburns, premature aging, and even skin cancer. But fear not! With the right precautions, you can enjoy sunny days while keeping your skin safe and healthy. 

  

1. Wear Sunscreen Daily

One of the most crucial steps in sun protection is applying sunscreen every day, even when it’s cloudy. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, especially if you’re swimming or sweating.

  

2. Seek Shade

Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re planning outdoor activities, try to schedule them earlier or later in the day when the sun’s rays are less intense. When outdoors, seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or awnings to reduce your exposure to UV radiation.

  

3. Cover Up

Wearing protective clothing can provide an extra layer of defense against the sun’s rays. Opt for lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to shield your skin from direct sunlight. Sunglasses with UV protection are also essential to protect your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

  

4. Don’t Forget Your Lips and Scalp

When it comes to sun protection, your lips and scalp are often overlooked. Use a lip balm with SPF to keep your lips moisturized and shielded from UV damage. For your scalp, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat or applying sunscreen to exposed areas, especially if you have thinning hair or a part.

  

5. Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for maintaining healthy skin, especially in the summer heat. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. Hydrated skin is more resilient to sun damage and can recover more quickly from exposure to UV radiation.

  

6. Be Extra Cautious Near Water and Sand

Water and sand can reflect and amplify the sun’s rays, increasing your risk of sunburn and skin damage. If you’re spending time at the beach or by the pool, take extra precautions by applying sunscreen more frequently and wearing protective clothing and accessories.

  

7. Check Your Medications

Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, acne treatments, and antihistamines, can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. If you’re taking any medications, check the labels or consult your healthcare provider to see if they may cause photosensitivity and take appropriate precautions.

  

8. Monitor Your Skin

Regularly examine your skin for any changes, including new moles, freckles, or spots, as well as changes in existing ones. If you notice any abnormalities, such as asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven color, or changes in size, consult a dermatologist promptly. Early detection is key to preventing skin cancer and other serious skin conditions.

  

Conclusion 

In conclusion, as you enjoy the summer months, remember to prioritize your skin’s health by following these sun safety tips. Together, we can raise awareness about skin cancer prevention and support ongoing research efforts to combat this disease. Trust in TFS HealthScience to lead the way in advancing research and promoting skin health. 

 

About TFS HealthScience

TFS HealthScience is a global contract research organization (CRO) that supports biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies throughout their clinical development journey. TFS demonstrates scientific and medical competence across populations and therapeutics, including industry-leading capabilities in oncology, as well as dermatology, immunology, and inflammatory diseases. It has conducted hundreds of studies in over 30 countries in these therapeutic areas.

Our team specializes in managing clinical development Phases I-IV, RWE studies, and patient recruitment across multiple indications. With our in-house experts, TFS has a global network of more than 8,000 sites and nearly 81,000 patients for our dermatology, immunology, and inflammatory disease trials, as well as oncology and hematology. We partner with you to develop a regulatory and operational strategy tailored to your specific trial’s requirements, then deliver all the scientific and medical aspects of your clinical program to help ensure market success. Through our innovative research initiatives, we aim to contribute to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of skin cancer, ultimately leading to better health outcomes for patients worldwide.