Skin Cancer Awareness Month
As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, May arrives with the powerful reminder of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. While the sun offers warmth, energy and a dose of vitamin D, it also carries risks that can have lasting impacts on your health. As skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, awareness, education and proactive care are essential not only this month, but every day of the year.
Sun safety tips
Use sunscreen. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (with an SPF of at least 30) every single day, even on cloudy or cooler days. UV rays can penetrate clouds and reflect off surfaces like water, sand and snow. For best results, apply sunscreen 15 – 20 minutes before heading outside, and make sure to cover commonly missed spots like behind the ears, back of neck and hands.
Reapply often. Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done deal, it needs to be reapplied regularly to remain effective. Aim to reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or sweating.
Seek shade. The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you’re outside during peak hours, find or bring shade – umbrellas, trees and wide-brimmed hats can all help reduce your UV exposure.
Wear protective clothing. Clothing can offer a solid barrier against the sun’s rays. Choose tightly woven, loose-fitting garments in dark or bright colors, which absorb more UV radiation than lighter shades. Don’t forget to wear UV-blocking sunglasses to shield your eyes and protect the delicate skin around them.
Avoid tanning beds. Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation that significantly increases your risk of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Contrary to popular belief, a “base tan” does not protect your skin. Instead, opt for self-tanning lotions or sprays if you’re seeking that sun-kissed glow without the risk.