With longer days and warmer weather, many of us will be spending more time outdoors. Whether you’re heading to the beach, tending to your garden, or cheering at your kids’ baseball games, it’s crucial to protect yourself and your family from skin cancer.
The three prevalent types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma. Basal and squamous cell carcinomas affect the outer skin layer and result from prolonged or intense sun exposure. Melanomas develop in melanocytes—the cells responsible for producing melanin that darkens your skin after sun exposure. This is the most lethal form of skin cancer. It can be triggered by severe sunburns, and frequent tanning bed use increases the risk. Ultraviolet rays from both the sun and tanning beds can lead to all three skin cancers.
Prevention is the best defense against skin cancer, starting from a young age and continuing throughout life. Just one severe sunburn in childhood can lead to skin cancer issues years later. Here are some tips to help you safely enjoy outdoor activities:
- Apply Sunscreen: Make sunscreen application a part of your daily routine before going outside. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15. Reapply every two hours when outdoors, and more often if swimming or sweating.
- Seek Shade: Whenever possible, stay in shaded areas to limit excessive sun exposure. Remember that UV rays can reflect off bright surfaces like concrete, sand, and snow, so wearing sunscreen is still important.
- Wear Protective Clothing and Hats: Opt for a hat with a wide brim to shield your face, head, ears, and neck. Rashguards are great for children and active adults as they offer protection from UV radiation.
- Use Sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Avoid Peak Sun Hours: If possible, plan outdoor activities outside of the peak UV intensity times, which are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Skin cancer can affect anyone, regardless of skin tone. Be mindful of new skin spots, spots that differ from others, or spots that persist, change, itch, or bleed. If you spot any unusual changes, schedule an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist.
