Skin Cancer Prevention and Sun Safety

UV Safety Awareness Month

Spending time outside is good for our bodies and our minds. A walk, swim, bike ride or day at the park can help us feel active, happy, and refreshed. But while we enjoy the sunshine, it is also important to protect our skin from ultraviolet, or UV, rays. UV rays are invisible rays from the sun that can damage our skin cells. Over time, too much UV exposure can raise the risk of skin cancer.

This month is UV Safety Awareness Month and a great time to learn about saving your skin—and maybe your life. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention. “Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to UV light,” says Dr. Elizabeth Sander. The UV Index (UVI) is a measure of the current intensity of UVB radiation in a certain location. The higher the current UV Index reading, the higher the radiation levels, and the more likely you are to get a sunburn. “UV exposure is not equally risky for everyone, but no skin color is immune to UV damage. In very fair-skinned people, UV radiation starts becoming harmful after about 5 to 10 minutes. For darker skinned people, the damage may start after 30 minutes. The amount of melanin in the skin provides varying degrees of natural protection, yet all skin types can experience sunburn, skin aging, DNA damage, and skin cancer.”

There are several types of skin cancer. Melanoma is less common than some other skin cancers, but it is also the most dangerous type. The American Cancer Society estimates that about 112,000 new melanomas will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026, and about 8,510 people are expected to die from melanoma.

Of course, there are benefits of sun exposure, including improved mood, lower rates of depression, and regulation of the body’s circadian clock. UV exposure is the primary method of boosting serum vitamin D levels, which is associated with protection against cancer development. The good news is that sun safety can be simple. Try to use sunscreen every day on skin that is not covered by clothing. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and reapply it every two hours, especially after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Sunscreen works best when it is used along with other protection, such as shade, hats, sunglasses, and clothing that covers the arms and legs.

It also helps to plan outdoor time wisely. “UV rays are often strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you can, take breaks in the shade during these hours,” says Dr. Sander. “Remember, cloudy days still count. UV rays can pass through clouds and can bounce off water, sand, cement, and snow. That means your skin can still get sun damage even when the day does not feel very hot.”

Another healthy habit is checking your skin. Look for new spots, sores that do not heal, or moles that change in size, shape, color, or feel. If something looks different or worries you, talk with a healthcare provider or dermatologist. Finding skin cancer early can make treatment easier and more successful.

Sun safety is not about avoiding fun. It is about enjoying the outdoors in a smart way. A little planning can protect your skin today and lower your risk in the future. So grab your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses, and head outside with confidence.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; American Cancer Society; American Academy of Dermatology.