How To Prevent A Squamous Cell Skin Cancer

Squamous cell skin cancer is the second most common skin cancer behind basal cell carcinomas. Though generally not life threatening due to their low rate of metastasis a squamous cell skin cancer can cause severe local tissue destruction and permanent scarring. The incidence of squamous cell skin cancer is increasing; however, by making the right lifestyle decisions it's not extremely difficult to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer.

Minimize your sun exposure to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer. It's especially important to avoid the sun during it's most intense period between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM.

Skip all tanning booths and beds to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer. The UVA radiation from tanning beds penetrates deeply into the skin and cause cellular DNA damage which increases the risk for skin cancer.

Drink green tea! There's medical evidence that the combination of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate or EGCG in green tea can help to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer.

Apply sun screen daily, even during the winter months. If you spend any time out doors or in the water make sure you reapply sun screen every couple of hours. Select a reflective sun screen with a high SPF rating to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer.

Give up all tobacco products to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer. Tobacco toxins damage the DNA and reparative mechanisms of human cells and contribute to the development of skin cancer.

Keep your skin covered with clothing if you spend any time outdoors in the sun. The addition of a wide brimmed hat will further prevent you from developing a squamous cell skin cancer on your head, face or neck.

Ramp up your daily vitamin D consumption to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer. Medical studies have consistently demonstrated that higher serum levels of vitamin D were correlated with a reduced incidence of skin cancer.

Apply Retin-A cream daily. Long used to treat teenage acne scientists have confirmed that consistent long term use of topical retinoic acid will help to prevent a squamous cell skin cancer from developing.

Make sure you see your doctor or dermatologist annually for a full skin surveillance if you've ever had a skin cancer or have a family history of skin cancer. By treating precancerous skin lesions early you can prevent a squamous cell skin cancer from developing.