May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Did you know?
· Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U. S.
· Most skin cancers are caused by over exposure to the sun’s UVA and UVB radiation.
· About 20 percent of North Americans can expect to develop skin cancer during their lifetimes.
· The incidence of malignant melanoma has been increasing faster than any other type of cancer and has doubled since 1973.
· As few as two blistering sunburns before the age of 20 may double the risk of developing melanoma later in life.
· Most people attain up to 25% of their lifetime sun exposure before their 18th birthday.
· Most skin cancer is preventable.
Use these tips to keep you and your family sun-safe!
Check the UV Index daily
· Look in the weather section of the newspaper
· Higher number (1 to 11+) = greater UV
· Take more precautions on high UV days
Limit Direct UV exposure
· Work or play inside during peak sun hours (midday)
· Use large umbrellas or other shade cover
· Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps
Cover up with Clothing
· Choose to wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, wide-brimmed hats and back-flap hats
· Wear tightly woven fabrics (ones you can’t see through when held up to the light)
· Cover your eyes with 100% UV sunglasses
Use Sunscreen*
· Wear sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15 or higher that blocks UVA and UVB
· Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going out
· Reapply every 2 hours or more often after swimming or sweating
Examine your skin
· Watch your moles and other skin spots
· Report unusual skin changes to your doctor
*Warning: Do not depend on sunscreen alone. Combine sunscreen with wide-brimmed hats, UV-protective sunglasses, and tightly-woven clothing to increase your protection against UV radiation.