JULY IS UV SAFETY MONTH

Skin Cancer is the most common cancer in the US, and the cause is associated with too much sun exposure. Nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the United States. Skin cancer can be serious, expensive, and sometimes even deadly.
What is Skin Cancer?

The skin is the body’s largest organ. Skin has several layers, but the two main layers are the epidermis (upper or outer layer) and the dermis (lower or inner layer). Skin cancer begins in the epidermis, which is made up of three kinds of cells:

  • Squamous cells: Thin, flat cells that form the top layer of the epidermis.
  • Basal cells: Round cells under the squamous cells.
  • Melanocytes: Cells that make melanin and are found in the lower part of the epidermis. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color. When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes make more pigment and cause the skin to darken.

Basal and squamous cell carcinomas are the two most common types of skin cancer. They begin in the basal and squamous layers of the skin, respectively. Both can usually be cured, but they can be disfiguring and expensive to treat. Read More

What Are the Risk Factors for Skin Cancer?

Anyone can get skin cancer, but people with certain characteristics are at greater risk:

  • A lighter natural skin color.
  • Skin that burns, freckles, reddens easily, or becomes painful in the sun.
  • Blue or green eyes.
  • Blond or red hair.
  • Certain types and a large number of moles.
  • A family history of skin cancer.
  • A personal history of skin cancer.
  • Older age.

Exposure to UV Rays

Regardless of whether you have any of the risk factors listed above, reducing your exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can help keep your skin healthy and lower your chances of getting skin cancer in the future. Most people get at least some UV exposure from the sun when they spend time outdoors. Making sun protection an everyday habit will help you to enjoy the outdoors safely, avoid getting a sunburn, and lower your skin cancer risk.

How to Protect Your Skin from the Sun

Stay in the Shade
You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. Read More

Clothing
When possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. Read More.

Hat
For the most protection, wear a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears, and the back of your neck. Read More

Sunglasses
Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts. They also protect the tender skin around your eyes from sun exposure. Read More

Sunscreen
Put on a broad-spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 15 or higher before you go outside. Read More

Participate in the #SunSafeSelfie

Show your #SunSafeSelfie and join the conversation to raise awareness about the benefits of sun protection.

  • Take a picture of yourself using sun protection.
  • Post it on social media and tag it with #SunSafeSelfie.
  • Practice what you post! (Plan ahead before outdoor activities, so you’re always prepared to stay sun-safe.)

#SunSafeSelfie 
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