Sun Exposure and Skin Cancer Facts
• You can sunburn even on a cloudy day.
• Melanoma is the most deadly form of skin cancer and it kills an average of 1 person every hour.
• Children are exposed to an average of three times more sun than adults.
• Concrete, water and snow reflect the sun’s rays, making them more powerful and dangerous.
• The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm.
How to Protect Yourself
• Use a sunscreen that is SPF 15 or higher whenever you go outdoors, children should use a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher.
• Look for a sunscreen that protects against UVB and UVA rays.
• Apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed areas of the skin and reapply regularly, remembering to apply to the neck, ears and lips.
• Do not use tanning beds.
• Wear clothing that is dark and tightly woven.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses when outdoors.
Skin Cancer Warning Signs
To look for skin cancer, check for moles or skin spots with the A, B, C, D’s.
A Asymmetry, the two sides appear different
B Border irregularity, the edges appear scalloped
C Color variation, there are multiple colors present in one spot or mole
D Diameter, look for any area that is larger than 6mm, or the size of a pencil eraser.
If you have a suspicious area on your skin, contact your doctor or dermatologist immediately.
For more information:
• The Sun Safety Alliance www.sunsafetyalliance.org
• The American Cancer Society www.cancer.org