Keep skin safe in the sun
According to the American Cancer Society, one in 70 Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma during their lifetime, and melanoma is among the leading causes of cancer death for women under 30.
The problem is only getting worse. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the melanoma rate in 1999 was 15.2 new cases per 100,000 people. By 2017, that number had increased to 22.7 cases per 100,000 people.
The primary causes of skin cancers in adults are severe sunburns, excessive sun tanning and frequent exposure to the ultraviolet rays emitted by tanning booths.
Here are five ways you can help prevent melanoma:
- Minimize sun exposure. Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
- Use sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection and an SPF of 15 or higher.
- Re-apply sunscreen every two hours to block damaging rays from penetrating your skin.
- Wear protective clothing and eyewear when spending time in the sun.
- Stay out of tanning booths — completely.
