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Preventing Skin Cancer Caused by the Sun Through the Use of Sunscreen

Trisha Mae M. Zareno

JR Shaw School of Business, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

COMM1101.

Greg Beckford

March 03, 2023

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Preventing Skin Cancer Caused by the Sun Through the Use of Sunscreen
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This paper's goal is to spread knowledge about the dangers of the sun's ultraviolet radiation

(UVR) and offer strategies for protecting oneself from this potentially fatal form of radiation.

Protection from harm, from disease, and from extremes of temperature are just a few of the

many roles that the skin plays in the body. The epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous fat pad

make up its three-layer structure. Cancer of the skin begins in the epidermis. DNA damage in the cells

causes malfunction, unchecked growth, and eventually cancer, which is what causes skin cancer.

The sun's radiation includes both UV-A and UV-B, which can damage DNA. Basal cell carcinoma

and squamous cell carcinoma are two forms of skin cancer that can develop from UV-A damage.

Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer that can be caused by exposure to UV-B rays. While ultraviolet

radiation B (UV-B) is responsible for sunburn, ultraviolet-A (UV-A) is primarily responsible for

photoaging.

Sunscreen must be worn to prevent skin damage from ultraviolet radiation. In Canada,

sunscreens must meet strict regulations, and they fall into one of two categories, physical or chemical

filters, depending on the type of UVR they are designed to block. The sun protection factor (SPF),

indicated by a number on the sunscreen container, indicates how long one can remain in the sun

without getting sunburned. Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going outside, reapplied

every two hours, and reapplied after vigorous sweating.

Although UV radiation from the sun is the primary cause of skin cancer, there are other risk

factors that can play a role. Many things can contribute to skin cancer, including genetics, having lighter

skin, poor sun safety practices, insufficient product use, missed areas during application, and finally, not

using sunscreen due to a misunderstanding of its potentially harmful ingredients. Besides using

sunscreen, other preventative measures, such as staying out of the sun, staying out of tanning booths,

and doing a monthly body scan using the ABCDE method, should be taken to reduce the risks associated
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Preventing Skin Cancer Caused by the Sun Through the Use of Sunscreen
with skin cancer. One can lessen the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) by taking advantage of

all the resources at their disposal in order to obtain the highest possible level of protection and reduce

the overall risk by having a thorough understanding of the various factors presented in the internal and

external environment.

Keywords: Skin, Skin Cancer, Ultraviolet Radiation, Sunscreen, Genetics, ABCDE METHOD

INTRODUCTION

As a primary barrier against external threats, the skin plays a pivotal role in many bodily

processes. When skin cells sustain permanent damage, they cease to function as intended. It's possible

that both internal and external factors contributed to the damage that was done. Sunlight's ultraviolet

radiation (UVR) is a major extrinsic factor in cellular damage. These potentially carcinogenic rays can

penetrate the skin and cause a variety of cancers. The risk of skin cancer from ultraviolet radiation (UVR)

exposure can be increased by several other factors, including genetics, behaviour, the level of product

protection, myths, and incorrect application. Many people have been impacted by a devastating disease

that can be prevented and reduced by incorporating various protection products and practices into

one's personal care regime.

CONCLUSION

Skin cancer is a universal disease that can strike people of any age, gender, or race. Ultraviolet

radiation is the primary cause of skin cancer. Everyone should make protecting their skin from these

dangerous rays a top priority. Reducing the likelihood of developing cancer is as simple as being

proactive and performing regular body checks, using sunscreen, and practising sun safety methods. A

person's own actions and behaviours can be modified to improve protection if they are aware of the

sunscreen's limitations and how their genetic makeup affects their susceptibility. The availability of

modern sunscreens, along with the wealth of related knowledge, research, and information, means that
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Preventing Skin Cancer Caused by the Sun Through the Use of Sunscreen
everyone can and should take steps to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer from exposure to the

sun.