Becoming Sun Sensible This Summer
According to skincancerprevention.org, every year in the U.S. nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer. Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is a major risk factor for most skin cancers, so sun safety is extremely important. Skin cancers start when UV rays damage the DNA of genes that control skin cell growth.
There are two types of harmful UV rays:
- UVA rays age skin cells, causing brown spots and wrinkles. They are also thought to play a role in some skin cancers. Remember that tanning beds give off large amounts of UVA rays.
- UVB rays are the main source of sunburns and are thought to cause most skin cancers.
Reduce your risk by limiting your time in the sun, wearing generous amounts of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 (or protective clothing) and avoid tanning salons.
To be Sun Sensible you need to THINK sun sensibly.
Are you thinking about sun exposure and skin cancer prevention?
- Do you believe a person with a tan is more attractive than a person who is pale?
- Do you think one or two bad sunburns is no big deal?
- Do you feel like skin cancer is something that only happens to others?
To be Sun Sensible you need to ACT sun sensibly.
Are you protecting yourself and your children from sun exposure and skin cancer?
- Do you sunbathe or visit tanning salons?
- Do you minimize your time in the sun when its rays are stronger between 10 am and 2 pm?
- Do you seek the shade?
- Do you dress sun sensibly?
- Do you examine your skin regularly and thoroughly?
For tips on UV protection, click here.
