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  1. CIS
  2. Prevention/ Avoid too much sun

Avoid too much sun

Overview

   Spending time outside is a great way to be physically active, get vitamin D and reduce stress. You can work and play outside without raising your skin cancer risk by protecting your skin from the sun.

   Most skin cancers are caused by too much exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds, and sunlamps. UV rays can damage skin cells. It is important to protect from UV rays all year. Cumulative sun exposure causes mainly basal cell and squamous cell skin cancer, while episodes of severe blistering sunburns, usually before age 18, can cause melanoma later in life. Other less common causes are repeated X-ray exposure, scars from burns or disease, and occupational exposure to certain chemicals.

Protect your skin from the Sun

Clothing
If possible, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts, which can provide protection from UV rays. If wearing this type of clothing isn’t practical, try to wear a T-shirt. Clothes made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one, and darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Some clothing is certified under international standards as offering UV protection.


Shade
You can reduce your risk of sun damage and skin cancer by staying in the shade under an umbrella, tree, or other shelter. The best way to protect your skin is to use sunscreen or wear protective clothing when you’re outside—even when you’re in the shade.

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. A tightly woven fabric, such as canvas, works best to protect your skin from UV rays. A darker hat may offer more UV protection.


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.

Sunscreen
Put on broad spectrum sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and don’t forget to put a thick layer on all exposed skin. Get help for hard-to-reach places like your back. And remember, sunscreen works best when combined with other options.