Transcript Prevention of Skin Cancer

Prevention of Skin Cancer
UV Radiation Characteristics
 There are 4 types of radiation:
 UVA – this type of radiation penetrates
the skin much deeper than UVC or
UVB. The main effect of it is it ages the
skin, however it contributes a lot less
towards sunburn and therefore skin
cancer.
 UVB – although this type of radiation
does not penetrate the skin as deeply
as UVA rays, it is responsible for the
majority of sunburns and is the main
cause of skin cancer.
 UVC – this type of radiation does not
contribute at all to skin cancer as it is
absorbed by our ozone layer.
 Vacuum U V- the shortest wavelength
of all the UV, vacuum UV cause no
danger of skin cancer since it is almost
completely absorbed by air.
Electromagnetic spectrum
Effect of UV light on skin cells
 All UV rays cause a degree of
harm to the skin, as when they are
absorbed they damage DNA in the
skin cells. The body then
responds to this damage by
attempting to repair the damaged
DNA- causing new skin cells to
grow at an almost out of control
rate. The physical symptoms of
this are sunburn and this can then
eventually result in skin cancer.
Difference between sun-blocks and sun filters
 Sun-block – reflect UV rays so
that no damage is caused to
our skin. With new technology,
the particles in sun block are
no longer visible.
 Sun filter – absorbs UV rays so
there is still a small amount of
exposure. Although a sun filter
will absorb most of the UV
rays, it is still important to pick
the correct level of SPF for
your skin type.
 SPF – the degree to which a
sunscreen or sun-block
protects the skin.
The UV index
 The UV index is a table in which you can compare your
skin type against the level of UV radiation that can be
present, so you can determine how at risk you are from
skin damage from UV rays.
• Once a personal determined risk level has been
found, an appropriate level of protection can then be
selected.
UV index table
Low risk - no protection is needed.
Medium risk - take care around midday and do not spend too long in the
sun unprotected.
High risk - cover up and spend time in the shade between 11 and 3.
Use least factor 15 sunscreen on exposed skin.
Very high risk - be sure to cover up and in the shade between 11 and 3.
And use at least factor 15 sunscreen.
Bibliography

www.cancerresearchuk.org provided all information with
the exception of details regarding sun block and sun
filters, which was sourced http://beauty.about.com .