Just like breast, prostate, lungs and colon, skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancer worldwide. The most common types of skin cancer are squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and melanoma, differing in the cell type of origin in the skin. Although skin cancer can occur anywhere on the body, it is typically found in areas most commonly exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as the face, neck, hands, and arms. And while we are too quick to focus only on the application of sunscreen as an important part of skin cancer prevention, there are other things that put you at risk. Here are ways you can prevent the disease that has nothing to do with your SPF.

1. Load Up On Caffeine

By now you must have made a list of reasons why you must avoid caffeine, but it turns out that moderate consumption of caffeinated coffee is linked to the lower risk of basal cell carcinoma. While more research needs to be done in this area, do not switch to decaf yet as the bioactive chemicals in coffee including caffeine and chlorogenic acid can potentially decrease the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Causes of Cancer: From Red Meat to Potato Chips, 8 Everyday Things You Didn't Know Could Lead To Uncontrolled Growth of Abnormal Cells.

2. Eat the Rainbow

UV rays and other environmental factors can quickly deplete your skin's innate antioxidant reserve. This increases your risk of developing melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Therefore, filling your plate with antioxidant-rich foods like strawberries, kale, avocado, and leafy greens is extremely important. These foods also have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties which are considered among the most promising group of compounds to be implemented as an ideal cancer-prevention strategy. Can Diet Help Cancer Treatment? Study in Mice Offers Clues.

3. Get Your Beauty Sleep

The circadian rhythm of your body regulates one of your body's most important hormones - melatonin. Melatonin has the ability to protect your skin from UV radiation. In fact, the compound has been shown to fight free radical damage better than vitamin C or vitamin E. Melatonin can potentially block free radical damage, decrease inflammation, and stimulate the formation of other potent antioxidants in the body. To block the damaging effects of UV rays, get quality sleep every night. How to Reduce Skin Cancer With Vitamin A

4. Go Commando

The only way to find out if there is anything eerie in your body or your skin is to get up close and personal. After all, you can only take action when you take notice. So pick up one day in a month to go for that spa where you can commit to checking your skin. Even if you want to skip the spa, get naked and look in all your nooks and crannies: your lips, mouth, ears, belly button, armpits, nails, between your fingers and toes, the tops and bottoms of your feet. Do it in front of a mirror so that you get a clearer view.

Skin cancer can well be prevented. Just keep up with these tips and remember to be diligent with your sunscreen if you spend a lot of time outdoors.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 06, 2019 01:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).