Be safe and smart in the sun

Hooray for summer! It’s a time to relax, take a vacation and enjoy the sunshine. But unless you’re careful, soaking up the sun could lead to serious health risks.

Did you know that the sun can damage your skin in as little as 15 minutes? Intense exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays without protection can cause sunburn, dark spots and even skin cancers like melanoma. People with a lighter natural skin color are at higher risk to get skin cancer, but anyone can get it. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

In 2022, the ACS estimates that 99,780 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed while 7,650 people are expected to die from it.

Here are some tips on how to stay safe outdoors:

• Seek shade: Limit your exposure to UV light.
• Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, long pants, or long skirts cover the most skin and are the most protective.
• Use sunscreen: Sunscreens with an SPF value of 30 or higher are recommended.
• Wear a hat: A hat with at least a 2- to 3-inch brim all around is ideal.
• Wear sunglasses that block UV rays: UV-blocking sunglasses are important for protecting your eyes.

For more information, visit the American Cancer Society at cancer.org/healthy/be-safe-in-sun.