The most common cause of squamous cell carcinoma is the exposure to the sun when it is at its hottest. The impact of the sun is heightened if the exposure is received when the person is young or if the person has sensitive skin. The sun is hottest in the midday because it is closest to earth at that time. So, it would be to schedule all the outdoor activities either before 10 am or after 4 pm. Even in the winter or on a cloudy day when the sun seems less harsh, you should not go out. This is because even though there is no visible light, the ultraviolet rays from the sun are always present. In fact, the danger of contracting cancer from the sun in winter or on cloudy days is higher because the sun’s rays do not feel hot and prevent us from taking evasive action. All this while, the skin is getting inundated with ultraviolet rays.

The previous point mentioned how important it is to keep away from the sun. However, in certain cases you cannot help but go out in the hot sun. At such times, it would be recommended to wear clothing that covers completely all the exposed areas of the skin. The hands and legs must be well covered. There are many companies that sell photo-protective clothing. These clothes are made from fabric that ensure maximum reflection to sunshine and least absorption. Consult your dermatologist and procure a brand that is best suited to your needs and skin type.

While clothing is an important aspect that covers a large portion of the body, there are some areas that clothing will not be able to cover. Make use of a hat or a cap to protect the face from the sun. It would be preferable to make use of the wide-brimmed varieties. The eyes are very sensitive and the skin below the eyes is also tender. So, wearing sunglasses will help in preventing the chances of squamous cell carcinoma. Cotton gloves will protect the hands and palms while a scarf will protect the back of the neck. Though it might seem like overdoing it with accessories, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.

In spite of the best protective clothing, some sunlight will manage to reach the skin. Thus, it is advisable to wear sun screen lotions. The sunscreen must be able to block both the types of ultraviolet rays, i.e., UVA and UVB. They must be rated at least SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 15 or above. The lotion or cream must be applied as thick layers to work well. As the cream or lotion gets washed away via sweat or water (while swimming), extra coats and layers must be applied. This is more so for fair-skinned people who have a greater chance of suffering from skin cancer compared to those with dark skins.

There is an increasing craze for using tanning beds in salons. This is especially so among the fair skinned youngsters who wish to get ‘browned’. Though it is considered fashionable, many times these visits are due to peer pressure. The situation has got worsened with the myth that indoor tanning is harmless and safe. On the contrary, tanning on a bed instead of being in the sun increases the exposure to UVA. The UVA rays from the tanning bed penetrate deeper into the skin and cause great damage to the DNA of the cells. The risk of squamous cell carcinoma is halved by simply keeping away from tanning beds and salons. If you really want to get tanned for cosmetic purposes, the safest option would be to make use of tanning creams and lotions that are not cancer-causing.

There are some common medications, medicines and over-the-counter drugs which makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Most often, the culprits include ibuprofen (painkillers like Motrin and Advil), isotretinoin (anti-acne medications like Amnesteem, Sotret and Claravis), high blood-pressure medications, and antibiotics. It would be best to seek advice from the doctor or the pharmacist about the possible skin-sensitivities that might arise from taking such medications. In cases when they make the skin sensitive, extra precautions must be taken. Again, sensitivity to a certain drug will vary from individual to individual. Thus, this decision is a highly personalized one which must be made in consultation with the physician.

If members of the immediate family have had or are suffering from squamous cell carcinoma, the chances of you contracting the same rise considerably. The risk also increases if distant relatives have suffered from the same. Thus, it is important to be aware of the family history so that extra care and precautions can be taken. The family tree will have to be completely examined. Again, if a patient has suffered from squamous cell carcinoma, even after being treated, the chances of a recurrence is very high. Such patients have to take extra precautions.

Tobacco has many chemicals and constituents that heighten the chances of cancer. Nicotine is the major culprit here. Tobacco consumption in any form, smoking, inhaling or chewing, can prove to be deadly. A smoker has two times greater chances of developing skin cancer compared to a non-smoker. Even if one gives up smoking, the chances of cancer still remain higher than a person who has never smoked. Thus, quitting smoking immediately is the way to go if one wants to remain cancer-free. All tobacco products must also be kept away.

There are some diseases and disorders which increase the sensitivity of the skin towards sunlight. For instance, xeroderma pigmentosum is an extremely rare genetic disorder which kills the ability to regenerate skin cells. Anyone suffering from these should be extra careful and must avoid the sun completely. They should also increase their immunity. Boosting the immune system and keeping it in good health will go a long way in battling cancer. Apart from taking vitamin and mineral supplements, you should take a rich and balanced diet.

Skin infections, large skin injuries and conditions like psoriasis increase a persons’s susceptibility to squamous cell carcinoma. Thus, care and precautions must be taken to prevent such injuries to the skin. Wearing protective gear while playing and taking the recommended safety precautions while at work will go a long way in keeping one injury-free and thus cancer-free too. Cleanliness and hygiene are important factors to keep the skin infection-free.

One of the most important and vital steps in the prevention of squamous cell carcinoma is to have regular skin check ups. Whenever you are doubt of squamous cell carcinoma, a complete-body skin examination becomes necessary. Though it may seem embarrassing, do not forget to get the genital and buttocks region checked too. Other places that are often forgotten are the scalp and the region within the ears. Depending on the risk factors, such examinations could be scheduled either annually or once in 2 years.