Smart sun protection and skin cancer prevention

Fun in the sun gets you outside in the fresh air, boosts your mood, and even provides tons of opportunities for physical activity. But while you’re out celebrating the sunshine, it’s important to protect your skin.

Although you might think it looks nice to have that summer glow, a tan is your skin’s response to damage from the sun and can put you at a much higher risk for skin cancer.

Skin cancer facts

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and accounts for nearly half of the cancers in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates 112,000 new cases of melanoma, the most serious of the skin cancers, will be diagnosed in 2026.

Basal and squamous cell skin cancers are not melanoma. Unlike melanoma, they start in the cells that are at the base of the outer layer of the skin. They can either be fast-growing or slow, but they don’t generally spread to other parts of the body. Usually, these cell cancers appear on sun-exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, lips, and backs of hands.

Melanoma, the more serious form of skin cancer, is almost always curable if caught early. However, it is more aggressive than other skin cancers and is the cause of most skin cancer deaths. Melanoma usually occurs on the skin, but it can also begin in the eyes, mouth, genital, and anal regions. Approximately 80% of melanoma diagnoses are made in the early, localized stage, and the overall five-year survival rate is 95%.

Skin cancer risk factors

As with other cancers, there are risk factors for skin cancer you can control and others you cannot. The key to protecting yourself is knowledge of your risk factors and watching your skin closely for any changes that could indicate a cancerous condition.

Traits putting you at a higher risk for skin cancer include having pale skin that burns easily and doesn’t tan, along with natural red or blond hair, a previous incidence of skin cancer, a family history of skin cancer, multiple or unusual moles, and severe sunburns in the past.

The most important risk factor within your control is your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which occurs from either natural sunlight or tanning booths or lamps. Unprotected or excessive exposure to UV rays is highly damaging to your skin and greatly increases your skin cancer risk.

Sun protection tips

You can reduce your skin cancer risk by taking precautions while outdoors in the sun. Check out these top five sun safety tips.

1. Limit time outdoors when the sun is strongest. If you’re outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., try to stay out of direct sunlight and seek out shady spots to help protect you from the most intense rays.
2. Use sunscreen. Sunscreen and lip balm should contain broad spectrum protection and sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Use water-resistant sunscreen liberally. Approximately a handful should be applied to skin 30 minutes before heading outside and every two hours during outdoor time. Reapply sunscreen more frequently if you’re swimming (and toweling dry) or sweating.
3. Wear protective clothing. Cover as much skin as possible when out in the sun. The most sun-protective clothes are those that have tightly-woven fabric that you can’t see through when held up to light.
4. Try a hat. Wear a hat with a wide-enough brim to cover your face, ears, and neck. If you’re wearing a baseball cap, be sure to put sunscreen on your ears and neck.
5. Sunglasses aren’t just for fashion. Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB absorption to protect your eyes and the skin around them.

Remember, even if it’s cloudy or hazy outside, your skin can still be affected by UV rays. It’s important to continue to use sunscreen on overcast days.

Protect your skin, even in the car

Ready to hit the road for an eagerly-awaited summer vacation? The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology has studies showing increases of skin cancer on the left side of the body, which researchers attribute to exposure from being in the drivers’ seat of a car.

Most windshields are treated to partially filter UVA rays, but side and rear windows are not. You can install clear window films for added sun protection on these windows, but you should also wear sunscreen just as you would outside or wear protective clothing as you ride in the car. If you ride in a convertible or a car with a sunroof, either keep the top closed or wear a hat as you travel so the sun isn’t burning your scalp and neck. Men with thinning hair should be especially mindful of wearing a hat when driving in a car with roof exposure.

Protect your kids’ skin

Kids have the same melanoma risk factors as adults, and most people get the majority of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18. Infants have thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, so their skin will burn more easily than older kids’ skin. Still, it’s not recommended to use sunscreen on babies under six months old, so they should be kept out of the sun as much as possible.

If you’re planning fun outdoor activities or a trip to the beach with kids, consider bringing along a small pop-up tent or umbrella to provide instant shade. Bathing suits with t-shirt-style tops offer the best coverage of shoulders and backs. When applying sunscreen to a child, be sure to get under the edges and straps of swimsuits since they’re likely to move around during play.

Knowing the facts, risk factors, and how to protect yourself and your loved ones all play a role in avoiding skin cancer. Questions or concerns about your skin? Talk to your provider. They’re the best resource for help and information.

References: American Cancer Society, Skin Cancer Foundation, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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