Skin cancer is the most common
form of cancer in the United States (according
to the Center for Disease Control). It affects
one in five Americans. The three major types
of skin cancer are the highly curable basal
cell and squamous cell carcinomas and the more
serious malignant melanoma.
Sun exposure adds up day after
day whenever you're doing anything outdoors.
UV rays can be harmful to your eyes and your
skin. You can control your exposure to the sun's
ultraviolet rays!
Who is at risk for skin cancer?
• Those with light skin color, hair color,
or eye color.
• Those with a family history or personal
history of skin cancer.
• Those who have spent long periods of
time in the sun.
• Childhood and adolescent sunburns increase
the risk of skin cancer later in life.
• You make be at risk for the more serious
malignant melanoma if you have had one or more
blistering sunburns during your childhood, you
have had a relative with malignant melanoma,
you have more than 50 moles, you have at least
five moles that are one 1/4 inch or more in
size, you were born with moles, you have abnormal
or unusual moles or if you are pregnant.
What can I do to prevent skin cancer?
• Sun-screen is highly effective in preventing
skin cancer. Choose one with a sun protection
factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. (Note: sunscreen
is not recommended for children less than
six months old, keep them in the shade and
protect them with clothing and sunglasses.)
• Choose clothes to protect as much skin
as possible. Wear a hat and sunglasses. The
sunglasses should have UV protection.
• Limit your exposure to sun. Avoid the
sun between 10 am and 4 pm when the UV rays
are the strongest.
• Avoid sunlamps and tanning salons.
The UVA rays cause skin damage.
• Do a skin self-exam once a month. Examine
your skin looking for new or changing patch
of skin, or any changes in a mole. Visit www.aad.org,
click on public center, click on how to perform
a self exam.
• Before going out in the sun, check
with your pharmacist or doctor to see if the
medications you are taking may be likely to
make your skin more sensitive.
American
Cancer Society 
