Helpful Links from the American Cancer Society About Sun Safety

A sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. That's why sun-safe habits should begin in childhood and last a lifetime.

Sunlight and Ultraviolet Exposure

Sunshine feels good, but also soaks unprotected skin in ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Over time, this invisible carcinogen causes premature aging, eye damage, a greater risk of skin cancer, and more.

Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection

With careful inspection of the skin, most skin cancer can be found early and treated successfully. Here’s what to look for, how to find it, and some pointers on prevention.

Take the Sun Safety Quiz

It's easy to make mistakes when using sunscreen—mistakes that can leave you and your children unprotected from harmful UV radiation. Take our quick quiz and be sure that you know all the ways to protect your skin, all year round.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Kids

A mix of methods—such as finding shade, wearing hats, sunglasses, and clothing—are needed to shield your skin from the sun. Sunscreen alone is usually not enough protection.


Skin Cancer Facts

Learn about early signs and symptoms of skin cancer, factors that increase the chances of developing the disease, and survival rates for those with the various types of skin cancers.

UV Forecast - Get the UV index for your city.

General Skin Cancer Facts

• The National Cancer Institute defines skin cancer as a disease in which cancer cells (malignant) are found in the outer layer of the skin.
• What is skin cancer?
  

  Nonmelanoma

  Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common form of skin cancer. About 80 % of all new cases will be this type of skin cancer. The cure rate for basal and squamous cell carcinoma is 95% if detected and treated early.
  
  Melanoma

  Most serious form of skin cancer. It is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or near a mole. Most frequently they are found on the upper back and neck, but can occur all over the body.
   

• Skin Cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United States
• Skin cancer accounts for 1% of all cancer deaths.


• Approximately 9,200 deaths a year result from skin cancer.


• Most malignant melanomas occur in individuals between 25-29 years of age.


• 90% of all skin cancers can be attributed to the sun.


• Regardless of one’s skin complexion, everyone is at risk to get skin cancer.

Skin Cancer and Youth

• 50% of lifetime exposure to UV light occurs during childhood and adolescence.
• It can take less that 10 minutes for a child’s skin to burn.
• Individuals who suffered severe childhood sunburns are at increased risk for skin cancer.
• Practicing sun safe behaviors during childhood is the first step in reducing the chances of getting skin cancer later in life.
• A person born today is twice as likely to develop malignant melanoma as someone born only a decade ago and 12 times as likely as someone born 50 years ago

Safety in the Sun

• Sunscreen: Use products that protect against both types of UV rays- UVA and UVB. Experts recommend liberal use of sunscreens rated at least 15 SPF. Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Contrary to recent media reports that sunscreens may do more harm than good, the American Academy of Dematology and the American Cancer Society urge Americans NOT to decrease sunscreen use.


• Set limits in the sun: Try to avoid sun between the hours of 10am and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.


• Cover exposed skin: Hats with wide brims and sunglasses should be worn. Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, but lightweight when outdoors.


• Shade: Find shady, cool places to play, walk, or exercise.