Skin cancer — the abnormal growth of skin cells — most often develops on skin exposed to the sun. But this common form of cancer can also occur on areas of your skin not ordinarily exposed to sunlight.
There are three major types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.
You can reduce your risk of skin cancer by limiting or avoiding exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Checking your skin for suspicious changes can help detect skin cancer at its earliest stages. Early detection of skin cancer gives you the greatest chance for successful skin cancer treatment.
Summer Sun Safety
- Try NOT to Burn: Sunburns significantly increase one’s lifetime risk of developing skin cancer, especially for children.
- Wear Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin 15 minutes before going outside. Sunscreen should have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30 and provide broad-spectrum protection from both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating.
- Wear Protective Clothing: Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.
- Seek Shade: Seek shade when possible, and remember that the sun’s UV rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Check the UV Index UV Index: UV Index provides important information to help you plan your outdoor activities and how to prevent sun overexposure. The UV Index forecast is issued daily by the EPA.
- Avoid Sun Tanning and Tanning Beds: UV radiation from tanning beds and the sun causes skin cancer and wrinkling.
Remember to practice Sun Safety all year!
Winter Sun Safety
