10 steps to prevent, reduce and spot signs of skin cancer

Sun damage cannot be reversed. But you can take these 10 steps to prevent further damage, reduce your odds for developing skin cancer and for spotting potential cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages.

• Nearly 80 percent of lifetime sun damage occurs before age 18
• The more sun exposure you had, the more likely you are to  have face wrinkles and skin discolourations
• Even more dangerous is your heightened risk for skin cancer in later decades
• Your odds of developing skin cancer are higher if you have pale skin, blonde or red hair, and/or blue eyes: all signs that your skin has low levels of protective melanin
• If you endured three or more blistering sunburns before age 15, you're at higher risk for melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer. Five early sunburns doubles it
• Having a job that kept you outdoors for at least three summers during your teens or twenties increases your chances as we
• If you used suntan-lotion in the 1950s and 1960s, you may have spent more time in the sun because you didn't burn as easily. Until recently, however, most tanning lotions and sunscreens only protected against UVB rays and did nothing to guard skin from damaging UVA rays
• UVA rays are weaker but penetrate deeper into the skin and may play a role in triggering melanoma

Avoid the sun during peak UV radiation hours, usually 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Look for sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• If you love to swim, buy a sunblock marked "waterproof" — it will provide protection for at least 80 minutes even when you are swimming or sweating
• Sunblocks marked "water resistant" protect for just 40 minutes

Use an ounce — about a shot-glassful — and cover all body parts exposed to the sun. Reapply every two hours and always after swimming or sweating.

Use lip balm with sunblock in it. Lips are very sensitive to the sun, but we often forget to tend to them when we go outside.

Make sure that your sunglasses protect against UVA and UVB rays (check the label) and wear them year-round.

Studies show that a skin doctor is more likely than your family doctor or gynecologist to spot trouble. But also ask your family doctor and your gynecologist to be on the lookout for anything troubling. The more doctors who check your skin, the higher your chances of finding cancerous spots in their earliest, most treatable stages.

After a shower or bath, take a hand mirror into a well-lit room and examine your entire body — including between your toes. Becoming familiar with your own birthmarks, moles and blemishes will allow you to spot changes.

• Blackish/brownish splotches
• Moles with irregular edges
• Red, pink or waxy splotches
• A sore that just won't heal
• Itching
• Bleeding
• Sensitivity to touch
• Obvious growth

Check with your doctor for any medications you take that could increase your vulnerability.

You don't have to sacrifice the health of your skin to enjoy some fun in the sun. With awareness and a little effort you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best.