sunscreen

After a long winter, the sun is finally out and shining! But, be sure to apply sunscreen before heading outside. Did you know that skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, with the most dangerous kind being melanoma? Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun is the main cause of cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. It can also come from tanning booths and sunlamps. On the positive side, skin cancer can almost always be cured when it’s found and treated early; which is why early detection is key.

There are many ways that you can help make a difference to raise awareness about skin cancer and help people take action to prevent or detect it.

11 Sun Safety Tips:

  • Encourage your family to adopt healthy habits together, such as applying sun screen and limiting your time in direct sunlight.
  • Consider partnering with a local hospital to host a skin cancer screening event
  • Add information about skin cancer prevention to your company newsletter, bulletin board and Intranet
  • Add a web badge to your website, blog or social media networking profile
  • Consider giving out lip balm with SPF or mini sun screen bottles if your company is having an event outside
  • Send a memo with vacation tips to employees, encouraging them to pack sunscreen, wear hats, and avoid direct sunlight during the hottest times during the day

What’s your Sun Safety IQ? Take the American Cancer Society’s Sun Safety Quiz to test your knowledge on sunscreen, skin cancer and sun safety.

What you can do to protect your skin:

  • Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • If you will be outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., cover your head and face with a hat and sunglasses
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and be sure to reapply every 2 hours and after you swim or sweat
  • Take the Melanoma Risk Assessment. Developed by the National Cancer Institute, this tool helps identify individuals at increased risk of melanoma in order to plan appropriate screening interventions
  • Check your skin once a month for any changes

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