May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month

By , SparkPeople Blogger
With summer only a few short weeks away, many of us are beginning to make plans for summer trips to the lake or beach, while others head outdoors to work in the yard and garden. But before you make your way to the great outdoors, it is crucial to do all that you can to protect you and your family from the harmful effects of the sun.

According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer here in the States, surpassing prostate, breast, lung, colon, pancreatic, uterine, and ovarian cancers combined. Each year more than 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer and this trend appears to be increasing with each passing decade.

So what can you do to lower your risk for developing skin cancer? Below are a few simple measures you can take while still allowing you to enjoy your time outdoors.

  • It is always best to avoid the mid-day sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This time period is when the sun is at its peak and when UV rays can be most harmful.

  • Wear a hat and don’t forget sunglasses, too. According to the American Cancer Society, hats with a brim are best for protecting ears, eyes, face, and the back of the neck. Sunglasses need to block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation so be sure to read the label.

  • Always wear sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. This is true for runners, swimmers, cyclists, walkers, and for anyone who plans to be outside for any length of time. And reapply your sunscreen frequently, especially if you are in the water or sweat a lot. It takes the average person 1-2 ounces with each application to get the best protection. More is definitely better in this situation.

  • While wearing dark colored apparel may leave you feeling hotter then lighter colored clothing, wearing a dark tightly woven fabric offers much greater protection then a transparent thin type material.

  • Stay away from tanning beds and sunlamps. These will not offer you greater protection by allowing you to have a so-called base tan. These devices only increase your skin cancer risk.

  • Remember many of the sun’s rays can pass through the windshield and windows of your car, so it is important to wear sunscreen even when traveling.


By taking just a few steps to protect yourself, you can dramatically decrease your risk factors for developing skin cancer. However, if you would like to participate in some of the country’s free skin cancer screening programs held this month, visit the American Academy of Dermatology website. There you can plug in your city and state to locate a facility where these free screenings will be conducted.

Here’s to a happy, healthy and safe summer!

What measures do you take to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays? Have you ever been diagnosed with skin cancer?