How to prevent overexposure to the dangerous rays of the sun.
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. – and is almost totally preventable. This year, over one-million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer which is typically caused by too sun exposure. While most skin cancers are highly curable when detected early, one form, malignant melanoma, is more serious – and much more deadly.
Follow these tips to help avoid the damaging effects of the sun:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going into the sun, and reapply often when swimming,
- Select a sunscreen that offers protection from UV-A and UV-B rays.
- Use a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30.
- To avoid dangerous ultraviolet rays, limit your sun exposure between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Never expose babies to direct sunlight. If you must be in the sun, cover up with clothing, sunscreen and sunglasses.
- Don’t go to tanning salons. Tanning beds produce the same damaging UV-A radiation as the sun.
Other factors related to skin cancer:
- Approximately 10% of melanoma occurs in individuals who have a family history of the disease.
- People with fair complexions or who tend to burn instead of tan, are more susceptible to the dangers of UV radiation.
- Those with a history of sunburns are also at greater risk of developing melanoma.
Be sure to examine your skin often for suspicious moles, freckles, or other growths on the skin. Also be sure to visit a dermatologist for regular checkups and to have any dangerous-looking areas of the skin examined.