Skin Cancer Prevention

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. While not every case can be prevented, many skin cancers are linked to exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning devices. Protecting your skin from UV radiation and knowing your personal risk can help reduce your chances of developing skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma.

Protect your skin from UV radiation

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the DNA in skin cells. Over time, this damage can lead to skin cancer. UV radiation comes primarily from:

• Sunlight

• Indoor tanning beds

• Sunlamps and other artificial tanning devices

UV exposure can damage your skin even when you do not get a sunburn. Damage also accumulates throughout your lifetime, making consistent sun protection important at every age.

Use sunscreen

Sunscreen is an important part of protecting your skin from UV radiation. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. When using sunscreen:

• Apply it generously to all exposed skin.

• Apply it before going outdoors.

• Reapply approximately every two hours while outdoors.

• Reapply after swimming or sweating, even if the sunscreen is labeled water resistant.

• Remember commonly missed areas such as the ears, neck, scalp, tops of the feet, and backs of the hands.

• Use an SPF-containing lip balm to protect your lips.

Sunscreen works best when used together with other forms of sun protection rather than as your only defense against UV exposure.

Seek shade

Limit direct sun exposure when UV radiation is strongest, generally during the middle of the day. When possible, seek shade under a building, umbrella, tree, or other covering. Remember that UV rays can still reach your skin in the shade and can reflect off surfaces such as water, sand, snow, and pavement.

Wear protective clothing

Clothing provides an additional barrier between your skin and UV radiation. When spending time outdoors, consider wearing:

• Long-sleeved shirts and long pants when practical

• Tightly woven clothing

• Clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating

• A wide-brimmed hat that shades your face, ears, and neck

• Sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays

Avoid indoor tanning

Indoor tanning devices expose the skin to UV radiation and increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. There is no safe indoor tan from a tanning bed or sunlamp. A tan is a sign that the skin has already been damaged by UV radiation. Avoiding tanning beds is one of the most important steps you can take to reduce preventable UV exposure.

Protect children from the sun

UV exposure and sunburns during childhood can contribute to skin cancer risk later in life. Help children develop sun-safe habits early by providing shade, protective clothing, hats, sunglasses, and age-appropriate sunscreen. Babies younger than 6 months should generally be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Ask your child's healthcare provider about the safest way to protect an infant's skin.

Know your skin cancer risk

Anyone can develop skin cancer, regardless of skin color. However, certain factors can increase your risk. These include:

• Fair skin that freckles or burns easily

• Light-colored eyes or naturally blond or red hair

• A history of frequent or severe sunburns

• Significant lifetime sun exposure

• Indoor tanning

• A large number of moles

• Atypical or unusual moles

• A personal history of skin cancer

• A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers

• A weakened immune system

• Certain inherited genetic conditions

• Older age

People with darker skin tones have a lower overall risk of developing many types of skin cancer, but skin cancer can still occur. It may also develop in areas that receive little sun exposure and can sometimes be diagnosed at a later stage.

Be aware of medications that increase sun sensitivity

Some medications can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and increase the likelihood of sunburn. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medications, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist whether they increase sun sensitivity and whether you should take additional precautions. Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without speaking with your healthcare provider.

Check the UV index

The UV index estimates the strength of ultraviolet radiation in your area on a given day. A higher UV index means unprotected skin can be damaged more quickly. Checking the UV index can help you plan outdoor activities and determine when additional sun protection is especially important. UV radiation can still reach your skin on cloudy or cool days, so sun protection should not be limited to hot, sunny weather.

The bottom line

You cannot prevent every case of skin cancer, but reducing UV exposure can significantly lower your risk. Protect your skin by using broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding indoor tanning. These habits are important throughout your life. It is never too early or too late to start protecting your skin from UV damage.