Protect Yourself and Your Family When You're Out in the Sun.
Did you know that skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States? Every year there are more and more new cases of skin cancer. In fact, more than one million new cases are diagnosed each year. While we can't totally stay out of the sun if we work outdoors or want to enjoy outdoor activities, we can try to better protect ourselves from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer. Learn how to protect yourself.
Skin cancers are divided into nonmelanomas and melanomas.
Nonmelanoma
Nonmelanomas (usually basal cell and squamous cell cancers) are the most common cancers of the skin, but they are also the easiest to treat if found in time. These cancers are more common in older people.
Melanoma
Melanoma is less common than basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers, but it is far more serious. Melanoma is almost always curable in its early stages; however, if not caught early, it can spread to other parts of the body. While having dark skin lowers the risk of melanoma, even a person with dark skin can develop melanoma*. Melanomas can especially affect people who do not protect their skin or have other risk factors, even teens and young adults.
*Melanin is the pigment in our skin. The more melanin you have, the darker your skin tone. It provides a very low level of Sun Protection Factor (SPF). There is a misconception that skin cancer is not a threat for people with darker skin, but everyone is at risk for skin cancer.
Risk Factors
Risk Factors You Can Control
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure - UV radiation comes from the sun, sunlamps and tanning beds. A person's risk of skin cancer is related to lifetime exposure to UV radiation. A few bad sunburns can increase a child's risk of skin cancer later in life. Even without burning, skin damage from UV exposure increases the risk of non-melanoma cancer. UV radiation is also present in cold weather or on a cloudy day. Being near water or snow can increase the exposure from reflected rays.
Risk Factors You Can't Change
Personal past history of skin cancer
Family history of skin cancer
Fair skin that freckles or burns easily
Light-colored hair and eyes
Men are more likely to have skin cancer than women.
For a complete list of skin cancer risk factors, click here.
For more information about cancer risks, click here.
How can you protect yourself and your family?
Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer.
Try to stay out of the sun midday (from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) when UV rays are strongest.
Cover up when outside in sunlight by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and full-length pants. Try clothes made with sun-protective fabrics, which differ from typical summer fabrics. Sun-protective fabrics usually have a tighter weave or knit, and they are darker in color. They generally have a label listing the garment's Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
Seek shade on sunny days. Use an umbrella at the beach or pool to avoid too much sun.
Be aware that water, snow, concrete and sand reflect sunlight, making UV exposure more intense.
Do not use tanning beds or sunlamps. Click here for facts about tanning beds and stories from young women who used them. See Tanning and Skin Cancer. for information on state laws and local advocacy.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside, even on cloudy days. Remember to reapply sunscreen after going in the water or at least every two hours, even if a sunscreen claims to be waterproof. Use a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher.
What is SPF? Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
Broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of at least 15 are recommended. A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers protection against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA and UVB radiation are two types of invisible ultraviolet rays that come from the sun. Both are known to cause skin cancer.
Remember, no sunscreen totally blocks the sun's rays. Even people wearing high SPF sunscreens get some exposure. However, sunscreen is one of the most effective sun protection methods available.
Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Make sure prescription glasses have UV protection too.
Protect children 6 months and older with sunscreen and hats. Infants should always stay in the shade when outdoors. An infant's developing eyes are vulnerable to sunlight. Check with your health care provider about using sunscreen on an infant under 6 months. Sunscreens may irritate a baby's skin.
Protect yourself year-round when working or playing outdoors. Wear sunglasses. You still need to use sunscreen in the winter on any exposed skin, particularly the face. Be extra careful if you are skiing or around snow. Snow reflects sunlight, making it more intense.
Don't forget to pack sunscreen for vacations or outdoor activities.
Skin cancer is a serious disease that can cause scarring and even death. Inspect your skin often (at least every 3 months) and take note of all the spots on your body, from moles to freckles to age spots. If you see any kind of change on one of your spots or you see any of these warning signs, contact your health care provider:
A new growth (such as moles, birthmarks or spots)
Sudden or progressive change in a mole, freckle or birthmark's appearance
A sore that doesn't heal
A mole, bump or nodule that is scaly, lumpy, crusting or bleeding, or takes on an irregular shape
Swelling, irritation, redness or spread of color into the skin near a mole, birthmark or freckle
Dark, freckle-like areas under a fingernail or toenail
Nonmelanoma cancers usually affect parts of the body that get the most sun, like forehead, nose or ears; but, melanomas can be anywhere on the body, even under the nails or between toes.
Hot Links!
View these websites for more information about sun safety.
The UV index measures how strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is at a particular place on a particular day. Its purpose is to help people protect themselves from UV light.
long-sleeved shirt and full-length pants. Try clothes made with sun-protective fabrics, which differ from typical summer fabrics. Sun-protective fabrics usually have a tighter weave or knit, and they are darker in color. They generally have a label listing the garment's Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF).
