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With the summer months in full swing many of us are
enjoying backyard barbeques, golfing, fishing, boating
among many other “fun in the sun” activities. Although
the summer is a great time for friend and family get
togethers we need to make sure to build safe sun habits
into our family’s daily routine to prevent excessive
exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays (UV rays).
Why you may ask?
A person’s risk of skin cancer is
related to their lifetime exposure of UV radiation. Skin
cancer is the most common type of cancer in North Dakota
as well as the United States. About one million
Americans develop skin cancer each year. Most skin
cancer appears after age 50, but the sun damages the
skin from an early age.
Protect your most important assets!
Research shows a link between sunburns in children and
an increased risk of melanoma and skin cancer later in
life. Remember, children are among those that need the
most protection, but cannot ask for it. Protecting skin
from the sun during childhood and adolescence is
important in reducing cancer risk later in life.
Skin cancer can be prevented!
The best way to lower your skin cancer risk is to
“Choose Your Cover”.
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Seek shade from UV
rays, especially during midday.
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Cover up to protect
exposed skin.
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Wear a Hat with a wide
brim.
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Grab shades that block
both UVA and UVB rays.
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Rub on Sunscreen of at
least SPF 15 or higher and both UVA and UVB protection.
Reapply every two hours.
Information obtained from the National Cancer Institute
and the American Cancer Society.
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