Skin Cancer Prevention 365
The sun is up there 365 days a year – maybe not always shining brightly, but the need for protection from sun exposure is an everyday event. Everyday exposure adds up after a lifetime and it can lead to skin cancer.
The prevalence of skin cancer in the population of State Employees and their families is quite high. The number of members with “Somewhat High”, “High” or “Very High Risk” to develop Melanoma is 28.5 % of the total population.
Practice these sun-protection basics all year around to give your skin the best chance of long-term health.
Always Use Sunscreen
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Use a sunscreen SPF 15 (Sun Protection Factor) or higher whenever you spend time outdoors.
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Check out your sunscreen to make sure its ingredients cover both UVB and UVA rays.
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Apply liberally and evenly to ALL exposed skin. Not using enough will reduce the products SFP and the protection you get.
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Don’t miss the lips, ears, around the eyes, neck, scalp if hair is thinning, hands and feet.
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Re-apply AT LEAST every two hours, more often if product has been removed while swimming, sweating or towel drying.
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Choose a lotion that suits your skin and activity. Sunscreens come in lotions, gels, sprays, creams and stick forms. Some are water-resistant, sweatproof or formulated especially for sports, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic or especially for sensitive skin.
Cover Up
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Tightly woven fabrics and dark colors offer more protection. If you see light through a fabric, UV rays can get through too. Water makes fabric more translucent, so don’t rely on a wet T-shirt.
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A wide brimmed hat covers the sensitive areas of the neck, ears, scalp and face.
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UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes. Glasses are essential in protecting these areas that rapidly show their age. Sunglasses also help reduce the risk of cataracts later in life.
Seek the Shade
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Especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun’s rays are most intense.
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Stand under a tree or umbrella – but be aware that sunlight can bounce off of reflective surface and still reach you.
Never Seek a Tan
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There is no such thing as a “healthy” tan. The tan is the skin’s response to the sun’s damaging rays.
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Stay away from tanning parlors – UV radiation emitted by indoor tanning lamps is many times more intense than natural sunlight. They are dangerous and you run the risk of burns, premature aging and skin cancer.
Follow these protective measures and don’t forget to examine your skin head-to-toe every month. Check your children’s skin as well. It is recommended that you see your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
