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Helpful Links from the American Cancer Society
About Sun Safety
A sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and
can eventually cause cancer. That's why sun-safe habits should begin
in childhood and last a lifetime.
Sunlight and Ultraviolet Exposure
Sunshine feels good, but also soaks unprotected skin in ultraviolet
(UV) radiation. Over time, this invisible carcinogen causes premature
aging, eye damage, a greater risk of skin cancer, and more.
Skin Cancer Prevention and Early Detection
With careful inspection of the skin, most skin cancer can be found
early and treated successfully. Here’s what to look for, how to find
it, and some pointers on prevention.
Take the Sun Safety Quiz
It's easy to make mistakes when using sunscreen—mistakes that can
leave you and your children unprotected from harmful UV radiation.
Take our quick quiz and be sure that you know all the ways to protect
your skin, all year round.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Kids
A mix of methods—such as finding shade, wearing hats, sunglasses, and
clothing—are needed to shield your skin from the sun. Sunscreen alone
is usually not enough protection.
Skin Cancer Facts
Learn about early signs and symptoms of skin cancer, factors that
increase the chances of developing the disease, and survival rates for
those with the various types of skin cancers.
UV
Forecast - Get the UV index for your city.
General Skin Cancer Facts
-
The National Cancer Institute defines skin cancer as a disease in
which cancer cells (malignant) are found in the outer layer of the
skin.
-
What is skin cancer?
Nonmelanoma
Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common
form of skin cancer. About 80 % of all new cases will be this type
of skin cancer. The cure rate for basal and squamous cell carcinoma
is 95% if detected and treated early.
Melanoma
Most serious form of skin cancer. It is characterized by the
uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas
may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or
near a mole. Most frequently they are found on the upper back and
neck, but can occur all over the body.
- Skin Cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in the United
States
- Skin cancer accounts for 1% of all cancer deaths.
- Approximately 9,200 deaths a year result from skin cancer.
- Most malignant melanomas occur in individuals between 25-29 years of
age.
- 90% of all skin cancers can be attributed to the sun.
- Regardless of one’s skin complexion, everyone is at risk to get skin
cancer.
Skin Cancer and Youth
- 50% of lifetime exposure to UV light occurs
during childhood and adolescence.
- It can take less that 10 minutes for a child’s skin to burn.
- Individuals who suffered severe childhood sunburns are at increased
risk for skin cancer.
- Practicing sun safe behaviors during childhood is the first step in
reducing the chances of getting skin cancer later in life.
- A person born today is twice as likely to develop malignant melanoma
as someone born only a decade ago and 12 times as likely as someone
born 50 years ago
Safety in the Sun
-
Sunscreen: Use products that protect against both
types of UV rays- UVA and UVB. Experts recommend liberal use of
sunscreens rated at least 15 SPF. Reapply sunscreen every two hours
when outdoors, even on cloudy days. Contrary to recent media reports
that sunscreens may do more harm than good, the American Academy of
Dermatology and the American Cancer Society urge Americans NOT to
decrease sunscreen use.
- Set limits in the sun: Try to avoid sun between the hours of 10am
and 4 pm when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
- Cover exposed skin: Hats with wide brims and sunglasses should be
worn. Wear protective, tightly woven clothing, but lightweight when
outdoors.
- Shade: Find shady, cool places to play, walk, or exercise.
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