Don’t Forget The Sunscreen

According to the American Cancer Society, more than 3.5 million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year. That makes skin cancer the most common of all cancers, accounting for about half of all cases.

Fortunately, the vast majority of skin cancers can be cured if found and treated early. The exception is melanoma skin cancer, which accounts for more than 9,000 of the 12,000 skin-cancer deaths that occur each year.

Sunburn caused by excessive exposure to sunlight is the primary cause of skin cancer. To protect yourself and your family this summer, follow the Slip! Slop! Slap!® and Wrap rule:

SLIP on a shirt and other protective clothing to cover as much skin as possible. To make sure the fabric is tightly woven, hold it up to a light. If you can see through it, then sunlight can get through it, too.

SLOP on the sunscreen on all exposed skin. Make sure it has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Don’t skimp. Use a generous amount, about a palmful, even on overcast days. Be sure to reapply after swimming, toweling dry or sweating.

SLAP on a wide-brimmed hat. Remember that a baseball cap does not protect your ears and neck, so use sunscreen there.

WRAP on some sunglasses that absorb ultraviolet rays to protect your eyes and the surrounding skin.

Source: American Cancer Society