Originally posted April 28, 2022.
With 1 in 5 Americans developing skin cancer in their lifetime, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer. There are easy ways for you to lower your risk of skin cancer this summer.
Apply Sunscreen
Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Use a water-resistant version if you will be swimming or sweating. Reapply every two hours. Read more sunscreen tips here.
Cover Up
Wear a long-sleeved shirt and long pants or skirt to protect your skin. Dark, tightly-woven or UV-treated fabrics are best.
Stay In the Shade
Keep your skin out of the sun – especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
Wear Sunglasses
Protect your eyes and the surrounding skin by looking for sunglasses with a “Meets ANSI UV Requirements” label.
Wear a Hat
Protect your face, ears, neck and scalp – common areas where skin cancer occurs – by wearing a hat. Choose a hat with a 2- to 3-inch brim for maximum protection.
Avoid Tanning
Just like the sun, tanning beds give off UVA and UVB rays that can damage your skin. Avoid tanning beds, sun lamps and prolonged sun exposure.
Learn more about skin cancer
prevention, symptoms and treatments.