According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more people are diagnosed with skin cancer each year in the United States than all other forms of cancer combined. One in five people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. It is estimated that the number of new melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer) cases diagnosed in 2019 will increase by 7.7%.
While it is the most prevalent form of cancer, skin cancer is highly preventable. Talk to your family about the following tips from the American Academy of Dermatology to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays and reduce your risk of skin cancer.
- Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen whenever you are going to be outside, even on cloudy days.
- Apply enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Most adults need about 1 ounce – or enough to fill a shot glass – to fully cover their body.
- Don’t forget to apply to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the top of your head.
- When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
- Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
- Avoid tanning beds. Ultraviolet light from tanning beds can cause skin cancer and premature skin aging.
- Perform regular skin self-exams to detect skin cancer early and see a board-certified dermatologist if you notice new or suspicious spots on your skin, or anything changing, itching or bleeding.