Sunburn and excessive exposure to sunlight is the primary cause of skin cancer, the most common form of all cancers. In 2024, it is estimated that nearly 5.5 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S., more than all other cancers combined. However, there are a number of common-sense ways to reduce your risk for over-exposure to the summer sun and still enjoy your favorite outdoor activities.
Dress smartly. Wear protective clothing and cover as much skin as possible.
Be generous with sunscreen. Cover all exposed skin and use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, even on overcast days. Reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling dry.
Wear a hat and sunglasses. A wide-brimmed hat is recommended to cover your face, ears and neck. Choose sunglasses that absorb ultraviolet rays and wear them at all times.
Pick your times. Stay indoors during the middle of the day when the sun is high in the sky and the ultraviolet rays are most intense.
Avoid tanning beds and sun lamps. The UVA light used in tanning beds is strongly linked to melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Just one visit to a tanning salon significantly increases your risk.
Sources: American Cancer Society, Skin Cancer Foundation, American College of Dermatology