Facts about sun safety
Skin Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the US.
More people are diagnosed with skin cancer in the US than any other cancers combined. People of any skin color and of all ages (including children) are at risk for skin cancer and melanoma.
200,000 new cases of melanoma are expected to be diagnosed this year.
Melanoma is a very deadly form of skin cancer. It can metastasize rapidly if not caught early. Each year more than 9,000 Americans die of melanoma. Those who are diagnosed, but do not die, lose an average of 20 years off their life expectancy.
Childhood and Melanoma Risk
Exposure to the sun's Ultraviolet (UV) rays causes more than 90% of the melanomas in the US. Sun exposure during childhood is one of the main risk factors of skin cancer in adulthood.
Sunburns that occur during childhood may promote melanoma later in life. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood, doubles a person's chance of being diagnosed with skin cancer in adulthood. Sun damage is cumulative: 23% of lifetime exposure occurs by age 18.
Melanoma can also affect kids when they're young. Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer diagnosed in 25-29 year-olds. It is the second most common form of skin cancer diagnosed in adolescents (elementary aged children) and young adults.
UV exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer.
Exposure to the sun's Ultraviolet (UV) rays causes more than 90% of melanomas in the US. Reducing sun exposure during childhood reduces the development of atypical moles that may eventually cause melanoma. Regular sun protection during childhood reduces the lifetime occurrence of any type of skin cancer, including melanoma.
Schools Play a Vital Role in Preventing Skin Cancer
A sun safety program in school-aged children can reduce adverse health effects, including skin cancer risks. Adoption of school policies and hazard mitigation controls may reduce the risk of melanoma in both students and teachers.
But Don't Just Take Our Word For It....
We check our facts, and the facts presented above were sourced from the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Cancer Council.
NOW WHAT? Learn how to reduce your risk.
Remember "Slip, Slop, Slap..."
Reduce your risk! Protect yourself from sun damage in five easy steps:
- Slip on sun protective clothing. Look for clothing that is labeled UPF as a first choice. As a second choice, pick clothing made of fabric with tightly woven fibers (opaque vs. sheer).
- Slop on sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Read the label and reapply as directed (usually every 80 minutes).
- Slap on a hat! A hat can protect your scalp, which is often forgotten when applying sunscreen. Hats may also offer shade for your face.
- Seek shade whenever possible to reduce your exposure.
- Slide on your favorite sun protective glasses. Melanoma can affect your eyes, so it's important to protect them.
Know Your Metrics
Local weather forecasts usually include a UV index. This is a measure of how intense the sun's UV rays will be on a particular day or at a specific time. It will give you an idea of how fast you may burn and what type of protection you need to prevent sun damage and/or illness.
A UV index of 0-2 indicates a low risk. At a minimum, sunscreen and sunglasses should be worn.
A UV index of 3-5 indicates a moderate risk. You should add a hat to your sunscreen and sunglasses for additional protection.
A UV index of 6-7 indicates a high risk. You should wear all your protection and seek shade whenever possible.
A UV index of 7-10 indicates a very high risk. In addition to wearing all your sun protection and seeking shade, you should try to stay indoors during the sun's peak hours from 10 am to 4 pm.
When the UV index is 11 or higher, the risk is extremely high. The same precautions for very high risk should be taken, but you should also maintain a heightened awareness for acute sun damage or illness.
When to See Your Doctor
Everyone should have a full body skin check by a board certified dermatologist at least once a year. You should regularly check your body for new moles or spots and ask your general or family practitioner or dermatologist to look at anything new or concerning.
Healthy moles are usually symmetrical, have clearly defined borders, are evenly colored and/or similar in color to other moles on your body, are smaller than the size of a pencil eraser, and are stable (do not change).
Moles that you should have checked by your doctor may be asymmetrical, have an irregular border, are discolored or contain multiple colors, are larger than the size of a pencil eraser, and are evolving or changing in size, color, or shape.
The earlier you can ask your doctor about a suspicious spot or mole, the better. In general, the earlier a skin cancer is caught and treated, the better the prognosis. Early detection saves lives!