Protecting Yourself Against Melanoma

With just a few more weeks of summer left, many Americans will take advantage of the sun by hitting the beach, or soaking up the sun outdoors. If you are going to be spending time under the warm sun, it’s always important to remember to protect your skin. More than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer (Melanoma) each year in the United States.

The exact cause is unknown, but a major contributing factor in developing melanoma is ultraviolet (UV) light damaging the skin. Some of the factors that put you at risk include a fair complexion, age, having several moles, and a history of serious sunburns.

The National Cancer Institute recommends taking these simple precautions to help you minimize your risk of melanoma:

• Try to avoid the midday sun (mid-morning to late afternoon) whenever possible. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek out protection from the sun.
• Wear long sleeves, long pants, and a hat with a wide brim to shield your skin from UV rays. Remember, UV radiation can penetrate light clothing, windshields, and windows.
• Always use sunscreen when you are spending time in the sun. Sunscreen may help prevent melanoma, especially sunscreens that reflect, absorb, and/or scatter both UVB and UVA rays. Even with sunscreen, you should be careful to avoid the sun or wear protective clothing to protect your skin.

Check out the National Cancer Institute’s guide, “What You Need To Know About Melanoma” for more information on risk factors, care and prevention and of skin cancer.